Hey Friend,

Well, here we are. The beginning. Wait... maybe I should capitalize that...

This is The Chord Clinic. Over the next decade or so, we're going to look at everything guitar chords. I envision this as a comprehensive course teaching you everything there is to know about guitar chords, but were either afraid to ask, or just didn't know to ask (which is more likely the case, right?).

Hold-up, did I say decade? Honestly, I don't really know how long this will go. Considering there are literally thousands of guitar chord possibilities, we can realistically go for years. And who knows how this will morph over time? I certainly don't.

All I can do is lay out what I know and roll with it. We'll both be learning things along the way, so feel free to ask questions at any time.

We're going to have fun learning how chords interact with each other to move a song along. We'll also look at how chords influence melodies, harmonies and guitar solos. But mostly we'll learn that every component of a song is there to boost the song - not the guitarist. 

Sure, we remember solos and hooks, but I would argue that if it doesn't serve the overall song in a compelling way, it doesn't need to be part of the song. I think many times we get caught up in the awe of seeing a great guitar player ripping through some amazing solo and forget that if it weren't for the song - the rhythm, the melody, the beat, the chords, the lyrics - there wouldn't be anywhere for that solo to go.

Flashy leads can be quite a distraction, n'est-ce pas (isn't that so)?

So when we talk about guitar chords, we're looking at them as part of the musical foundation of every song. Kind of important, if you ask me. Those leads are just the tasty frosting on top of the cake.

In the Chord Clinic, we will cover a many things, including:

We'll probably look at songs that illustrate ideas and techniques, too.

Along the way at some point, I will be offering webinars and group coaching. I may even offer individual lessons and small group coaching (like two or three people together). I just have to see how things settle out with scheduling. Since I've taught guitar in both private and group environments, I've got some ideas on how to keep things moving along and interesting.

Somewhere along the way, you will reach a point where you'll just know which chords to use and where. It will become as natural to you as walking.

Please bear with me as I find the best approach to juggle schedules and keep the rest of my life in order. Grab your shovel and gloves - tomorrow we dig in.

Peace~

Dave