Why learn the basic chords rather than "anchored" chords

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Hi Justin and team,

I saw some other material that uses “anchored chords” rather than basic chords as a method of learning songs faster as it allows you to keep two fingers anchored for faster chord changes.

I’m sure that there is some reason but just curious why start out with the simple chords that I suppose start a learner off slower?

Thanks!

BTW - I am on week 7 of learning and find the Justin App very helpful for learning

Jason

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Hi Jason and welcome to the community!

Can you give an example, which chords you mean exactly with “anchored chords”? I assume, it’s the chords where you leave pinky on string 1 fret 3 and ring finger on string 2 fret 3?

Because for other open chords, I don’t see the option to leave two fingers as they are in any case.

I’m basing the following on the above assumption. There are several reasons to start differently from my PoV:

  • You are limiting yourself to one key (mainly the key of G with these chords).
  • These chords are - from music theory and harmonical point of view - not plain major chords, but have additions and suspensions (no need to know exactly what this is right now, though) and therefore, will not sound nice in each and every song or at every place. They can, but they don’t need to.
  • You want to develop dexterity and finger independence in your fretting hand. This takes time and - of course - practice. When you follow this shortcut, you risk creating a good foundation for dexterity and will be stuck with the “stuck 3/4”-chords (pun intended, and that’s the term Justin uses for these chords, by the way) and limit yourself in that way. Further, you will “train” pinky and ring to stick together even more, than they naturally do anyhow. You want the complete opposite of that in the long run: independence.
  • Finger stretch might be an issue for these chords in the beginning, especially for people with smaller hands. This can be developed, though, by using all other chord shapes first.
  • Learning all open chords gives you freedom of choice and later on, option for embellishments.
  • All in all, it is not about learning things/songs fast, but develop certain skills over time. Yes, song practice and learning songs is important, but it will take time and it is time well spent to build a solid foundation. Learning all open chord shapes first will help to build this foundation strong. It takes longer, but it pays off better. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts in learning to play the guitar. But it still is great fun though. :slight_smile:

That’s the reasons I see, why the course starts with open chord shapes rather than using these chords. They will come along during the course, by the way (I think early in grade 2). Also, at least for A, D and E, Justin teaches a shape for A, where one finger can be used as an anchor as well. I didn’t get used to this shape, though (learned it earlier before I found this great course). But this alone also helps to have some point or orientation, while developing dexterity with all the other fingers. :slight_smile:

I hope, that helps a little. Enjoy the ride and have fun on your guitar journey! :smiley:

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Lisa has answer your question very well.

I have just answered someone else about stuck 3 4 chords and approaching chords generally. See the link below, it may help a bit more.

Keep working through Justin’s grades diligently and you will be surprised how quickly you progress with regular practice. Have Fun :guitar: :sign_of_the_horns:

https://community.justinguitar.com/t/paul-kelly-songs/410224/6?u=ajski2fly

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