Practice Routine for Level 2

Course: D Chord & Rhythm Basics

In this video

Practice Routine for Level 2 (25 minutes most days)

The following routine should last about 25 minutes. If you can't do the full 25 then PLEASE STILL PICK UP THE GUITAR. Even just 5 minutes a day is MUCH better than a mammoth 2 hour session only once a week. Save your fingers so you can practice again the next day!

Finger Stretching Exercise

  • As demonstrated in the video

Chord Practice (Strum, Pick, Strum each chord)

  • Continue to build your calluses, get your fingers changing between E, A and D chord shapes easily

Rhythm Practice

  • 8ths all down strumming

Chord Sequences - Use these as warmups before you cover the songs on the website at this level:

  • |A |A |D |D || repeat 4 times (x4)

  • Muting chord sequence x4

  • 12 Bar Blues in A x4

Song Practice - Keep 1 or 2 songs from the previous level and add:

  • A song with 8th all down strumming (e.g. 'Chasing Cars' or 'Johnny B. Goode')

  • A riff (e.g. 'I Can't Explain' or 'Wild Thing')

Level 2 Goals

Here are your goals for level 2. Only you will know which songs and genres appeal more to you; don't fight that, just make sure you can demonstrate the following before you move on to level 3:

  • Be able to play the chords from memory and have all possible changes solid (E, A and D

  • Be able to play any of the recommended chord sequences (and as a bonus - be able to make up your own)

  • Be able to play at least 5 songs, and have a go at playing these along to the record. Be sure to keep a couple from the previous level!

Remember - I recommend a song with 8th strumming AND a riff at least at this level. A 12 bar blues song is also advised, or a song with a longer sequence.

Next Up: Improve your rhythm and timing with a Metronome

Well done! Let's jump into the next lesson of the course.