The Secret to Flawless Chord Changes on Guitar
Contents
Introduction
If you’ve been learning guitar for a while, you’ve probably encountered one of the most common hurdles beginners face—smooth chord changes. Whether you’re changing from G to Em, C to D or any chord transition for that matter, it can feel frustrating when they aren’t as clean as you’d like.
You’re not alone in this!
In fact, it’s completely normal for chord changes to feel tricky. For many people, it can take 6 to 12 months before those changes start to feel natural. But don’t worry—there’s hope! In this post, I’m going to share a proven method I use with my students to speed up their chord changes.
It’s simple, effective, and best of all, you can start practicing it right now.
At the end of this post, I’ll also share a bonus tip for those struggling with stubborn fingers, not to mention a video walkthrough to really bolster your knowledge about switching between chords.
The Common Chord Progression: G, Em, C, D
Let’s start with a chord progression many of you might recognize: G, Em, C, and D. This is a standard progression in lots of popular songs, and being able to move smoothly between these chords is key.
However, the first thing to keep in mind is that when practicing chord changes, it’s important to focus on just two chords at a time. Don’t rush through three or four chords at once—that’s a surefire way to get overwhelmed. Instead, focus on one specific problem area.
Here’s where our method begins…
2-Minute Chord Changes: Quality Over Quantity
The first exercise is called 2-minute chord changes. Here’s how it works:
Pick two chords (probably the first two in whichever sequence you’re working on) - in this case, G and Em.
Set a timer for 2 minutes (I use my phone for this)
In a relaxed, unhurried way, switch between the two chords. Focus on quality, not speed. Remember, this is about building smooth transitions, not rushing through the changes.
You’ll likely fumble a bit at first, but that’s perfectly fine. The goal is slow, mindful progress. Don’t forget to breathe and focus on getting each change as clean as possible.
1-Minute Chord Changes: Building Speed
Once you’ve spent time on slow, deliberate changes, it’s time to speed things up and take the opposite approach.
For the next exercise, set your timer for 1 minute. Now, you’re aiming to get as many chord changes as possible in that time. The key here is muscle memory—you’ve done the slow work, and now we’re trying to lock in those movements by pushing for a little more speed.
If it feels clumsy at first, don’t worry! This is completely normal. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s about consistency. Over time, your fingers will start to move more naturally between the chords.
A smooth chord change is typically around 40 per minute, but if you’re nowhere near that number, don’t stress. Every clean change is progress, so keep practicing and it will come together.
How many changes did you get? - Let me know below!
Using a Metronome to Fine-Tune Your Timing
Another great tool to help you with your chord changes is a metronome. Google has one built in, so just type “metronome” into your search bar, and you’ll have an easy-to-use tool right at your fingertips.
Start by setting the tempo to 50 beats per minute (bpm). Your goal is to make a chord change on every beat 1. If you’re just starting out, there might be a gap between the beats and your chord changes—that’s okay! That gap will close as you get more comfortable.
When you feel like you’re nailing it at 50 bpm, increase the tempo by 5 bpm. Always push just a little outside your comfort zone to keep improving.
Bonus Tip: Finger Pushups for Guitar Chord Changes
Here’s a bonus tip for those of you struggling with stubborn fingers. This exercise is called finger pushups, and it’s great for helping your fingers land in the right spot when switching between chords.
Here’s how to do it:
Pick a single chord you’re struggling with.
Place your fingers on the fretboard as you normally would to play the chord.
Start by lifting your fingers just a few millimetres off the fretboard, then place them back down. Repeat this movement several times.
Gradually increase the distance—move your fingers about 1 cm away, then 2 cm, and so on, until your fingers can comfortably come off the fretboard and return without losing their place.
This exercise will train your fingers to land more confidently on the strings, helping you fine-tune those tricky chords.
Final Thoughts: Consistency is Key
Remember, learning smooth chord changes takes time, especially if you didn’t start playing guitar as a kid. As adults, we tend to be more aware of our mistakes, which can make us more self-conscious about how we sound. But that’s okay! The important thing is to keep practicing and be patient with yourself.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re already putting in the hard work. Stick with it, and soon those chord changes will feel like second nature.
Oh and don’t forget to check out the below video, where I guide you through each of the above exercises:
About The Author
Aaron Carrington is the founder of Carrington Guitar Academy in Bath, UK. Specializing in personalized guitar lessons, Aaron tailors each lesson plan to meet the individual goals of his students, helping them master their favorite songs and develop their skills. If you're interested in guitar lessons, contact Aaron to book a FREE trial lesson.
After graduating from the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in London, Aaron performed at prestigious venues such as Buckingham Palace, The Savoy, and The London Eye. He’s also been a key figure in the UK wedding and corporate gig scene, and his international performances include high-profile residencies across the Middle East. With this extensive experience, Aaron now shares his expertise full-time through private lessons and YouTube content creation.
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