Read the book: «Chords. Golden steps of harmony. Part 1 out of 3. Self-teaching guide for playing guitar with chords without sheet music»

© Sergei Alekseevich Mikheyev, 2025

ISBN 978-5-0068-4676-0

Created with Ridero smart publishing system

What you will find in this trilogy (in 1, 2, 3 parts):

* Chord charts without notes and easy chords.

* Thematic chart plus Easy Chords for girls and boys

* Melodics, rhythmic patterns, harmony.

* Playing by ear.

* Selecting chords by ear for songs.

* Composition and improvisation.

# Color Insert (in 2 and 3 parts)

A color insert helps you learn how to play by ear and compose music. This method has been successfully used by experienced musicians and works well even for beginners or those unfamiliar with music theory.

If you’re already playing chords but don’t wish to study notation, these tables allow you to pick harmonies from letters alone.

Machine translation from Russian

Mikheyev Sergei Alekseevich

Chords. Golden steps of harmony

Part 1 out of 3

Self-teaching guide for playing guitar with chords without sheet music

(The author has the right to all materials in the book.)

Table of Contents for Part 1 of 3

Tuning**

Strumming, Fingerpicking, Rhythms**

Note Chart for Six-string Guitar**

Chord Chart**

Easy Chords for Girls and Boys**

Fingerpicking Patterns**

Chord Progressions and Schemes for Exercises**

Mechanical Improvisation**

Duets, Trios, Ensembles – How It’s Done**

– Short Overview of the Trilogy

This is where part 1 ends

Self-teaching guide for playing guitar with chords without sheet music

Introduction

This entire book, including both self-teaching guides, is designed such that readers can start reading at any point based on what interests them most. You decide where to focus your attention.

You can achieve much using traditional methods, but it requires effort, time, practice, money, memory training, imagination, creativity, and perseverance. Be prepared for setbacks, fears, and failures along the way. Don’t be discouraged if you occasionally give up only to restart later.

Choosing an Instrument:

It’s better to start with something good yet affordable. Later, when you have more experience, consider buying a higher-quality instrument.

Strings:

Synthetic strings are recommended as they’re gentler on fingers. However, healthy individuals may prefer metal strings due to their richer sound quality.

Posture:

Sit or stand however feels comfortable while ensuring proper alignment of spine and hands.

Right Hand Technique:

Regular people typically pluck strings freely rather than resting against the body of the guitar. Use thumb for bass strings (6th, 5th, 4th), other fingers for treble strings (except pinkie). Alternate between index, middle, and ring finger when picking individual strings.

Left Hand Technique:

Position hand comfortably over the neck without pressing palm center onto the fretboard. Keep fingers nearly vertical when pressing down on strings. Avoid bending joints inward.

Nails:

When playing nylon strings, slightly longer nails help produce clearer tones. Trim diagonally rightward for half-millimeter protrusion.

Tuning

A D G H E

In principle, you can tune exactly using a tuning fork or another instrument. But usually, beginners tune the guitar much lower than is required for professionals. And they do the right thing. This makes the strings much softer. I recommend that you first tighten the strings so that they seem weak. Be careful not to overtighten the strings – they can break. And let’s start tuning. At first, it will seem difficult.

The numbers on the – table are the strings. First, tune string 1 – as approximately as needed. Then you can change it. Tune string 2 by 1. Simultaneously or in turn, extracting the same note on both strings. Tighten string 2 or release it. Both strings should sound the same. Similarly, the other strings up to 6.

Then we correct the tuning by comparing the sound of the same notes of different octaves on different strings. E – E – E, A – A and so on. When you find the string tension that suits you personally, the task becomes easier. The strings get used to the usual tension and keep it for a long time. You will only need to adjust the tuning a little.