How to Go from Scales to Chords for Better Music Skills

How to Go from Scales to Chords for Better Music Skills

Hey you! Yes, you with the guitar in the corner and the keyboard that’s kinda looking sad. Let’s chat about something super cool and funny – how to go from playing boring scales to jamming out with chords like a rockstar. Seriously, scales are like eating plain bread for breakfast. Chords? That’s like having a whole buffet of pancakes, syrup, and maybe some whipped cream on top. Yum!

Okay, let’s get into it. Here are 7 steps to turn you into a music wizard. Spoiler alert: there might be some wands involved but no actual magic (sorry).

Step One: Understand So What Are Scales Anyway

Imagine scales are like the ABCs of music. They give you the letters but, wow, they’re not really cooking anything tasty yet. You can say “C,” “D,” and then everyone claps like “Wow what a genius!” But let’s face it, people need more than that!

And here come the chords. Think of them as sentences in your favorite story. A little more flavor ya know? You gotta learn how to put those letters together!

Step Two: Learn Some Basic Chords

You gotta start somewhere! Grab your guitar or keyboard and Google “basic chords.” I mean c’mon it’s 2023 nobody has time to memorize stuff without help from the internet right? Try easy ones like C major or G major cause they sound awesome! And they’re pretty simple too!

But don’t get mad at that index finger when it starts cramping up – it just needs to build up those muscles like going to the gym but less sweaty.

Step Three: Practice Switching Between Chords

Now that you’ve got these fancy chords down, it’s time for a dance party…of your fingers!! Seriously though, switch between them like you’re playing musical chairs but without all of the running around (thankfully).

Try doing this while saying silly words like “banana” or whatever makes you giggle. It helps – trust me! You’ll soon find those fingers dancing together so smoothly!

Step Four: Play Along With Your Favorite Songs

Find that tune you’ve been humming all day (don’t pretend you don’t have one), and look up how many chords are in there! Most pop songs only use 3 or 4 chords anyway. It’s like a cheat code for becoming a rockstar already!

And if you mess up? Just pretend you’re doing an interpretive dance instead of playing ‘Oops I Did It Again.’ No one will notice if you’re shakin’ it on your living room floor.

Step Five: Experiment With Different Strumming Patterns

Alright now we’re getting spicy – time to mess around with strumming patterns. Change it up because why not? Try hitting all strings at once then just strum every other string or whatever weird combo pops into your head.

This is where creativity flies high! If someone asks why your song sounds kinda funny just tell them it’s an avant-garde masterpiece.

Step Six: Jam With Friends (or Pets)

Gather some friends who play instruments or even your dog if he barks in rhythm (which is rare but possible). Playing together is way more fun than solo practice; you’ll distract each other enough that mistakes become part of the act!

Plus if your cat tries to walk across your guitar while you’re playing…well that’s just entertainment right there and technicality #1.

Step Seven: Always Keep Learning & Have Fun

Music can be confusing sometimes but don’t stress about being perfect – celebrate every little victory instead! Whether you’re rocking out with friends or singing terribly off-key in front of family during holidays – embrace those moments where you feel alive & happy.

So just remember practicing is less about stressing over perfecting every note and more about finding joy in making music together – because who wouldn’t want to be known as “that one friend who plays catchy tunes”?

Fun FAQ Section

Question: Do I need super fast fingers?
Answer: Nah dude! Just make sure you’ve got fingers that work okay-ish…and maybe some band-aids for when piano keys fight back.

Question: What if I can’t remember chords?
Answer: Write ’em down on sticky notes and plaster them everywhere! Bathroom mirror, fridge door…the cat litter box…just kidding not that last one!

Question: Can I play famous songs right away?
Answer: Totally! Just make sure they’re easy ones first unless you’re going for cringe-factor glory which can also be fun…

Question: How long until I’m famous?
Answer: Well…fame doesn’t usually come before LOTS of practice so don’t expect paparazzi snapping pics anytime soon!

Question: Should I learn reading music too?
Answer: Only if you want an extra challenge or suffer through boring sheet music lessons. Choose wisely…

Question: Can my pet join my jam session?
Answer: Absolutely!! Cats might show up for moral support while dogs could try stealing the spotlight by barking along – double points!

Question: Will I ever stop feeling awkward playing in front of people?
Answer: Nope not really…but practice makes perfect and crazy facial expressions help distract us both from mistakes sometimes lol

So grab that guitar now, start jamming on those chords instead of mind-numbing scales…and most importantly – have fun!!! Happy strumming!!