The Easy Way to Learn Guitar Chords Fast

Looking for an easy way to learn guitar chords fast? Well, you’re in the right place son. Pull up a pew and let me ‘splain somethin’ to ya about a little known piece of voodoo magic that will have you playing all those ‘hard to learn’ chords in not time. I call it…

…The Pressing Technique™

The story begins when I joined the NZ Army Band and found I had to learn a lot of new chords, fast. Like I needed to know them yesterday… to do that I devised the Pressing Technique™.

One of the common problems I see new guitarists having is difficulty playing new chords – especially tricky chords like the Bm and F barre chords.

The Pressing Technique™ solves this problem by ‘programming’ each chord shape into your muscle memory so you don’t need to think about it no more.

And, it works for learning chord changes and scales as well! In short, the Pressing Technique™ is the miracle fix for learning guitar fast.

Watch the video and try it for yourself:

The Pressing Technique™ Explained

For Learning Single Chords

  1. Put your fingers on the chord shape, take your time to get it right, don’t strum; then
  2. Press down and hold it for 1-3 seconds; then
  3. Release. Take your fingers off, relax them for 1-2 seconds.
  4. Repeat for 1 to 3 minutes to get the chord down.

For Learning Chord Changes

  1. Put your fingers on the 1st chord shape, take your time to get it right, don’t strum; then
  2. Press down and hold it for 1-3 seconds; then
  3. Release. Take your fingers off, relax them for 1-2 seconds; then
  4. Put your fingers on the 2nd chord shape, take your time to get it right, don’t strum; then
  5. Press down and hold it for 1-3 seconds; then
  6. Release. Take your fingers off, relax them for 1-2 seconds; then
  7. Repeat for 1 to 3 minutes to get the chord change down.
  8. Repeat this process with strumming pattern added.

Why stop at two chords? You can use the Pressing Technique™ to learn whole chord progressions. Just write the chords down on a piece of paper in front of you, and work your way through them using this simple technique, and you’ll have them down in no time.

Did you find this technique useful? Leave a message for me in the comments below.

Comments

  1. Steve

    Very enjoyable course,well done Mark,unfortunately I have not been able to access the course as when I sign on an error code 404 comes up ,I am a lifetime member,an have emailed Jamorama for help but no one has replied,can you help

  2. Jerry Whitenight

    I’m taking the beginner course and in the two week beginner kick start course, Mark teaches this technique early on. I can say that it has already helped me in week one.
    I love this course and can see myself finally sticking with learning the guitar. I take it one day at a time and am always looking forward to the next step in the lessons.
    Thank you Mark for your great teaching abilities. J.L.W.

  3. Martin

    Clan McKenzie , Mark, on your forearm means ” I shine not burn the high hill” So neat to have such a family history.

  4. Nadel Paris

    This is a great piece of information. A beginner usually starts on learning the guitar through learning the chords, mastering each and every tone and sound they produce. This post is must for the new players… Thanks

  5. eddie

    Practicing everyday, I can’t seem to continue strumming or finger picking while changing chords.Please help
    What is the solution?

    1. Luis Tovar

      Eddie, how are you doing? Something that worked for me (and probably for others) is to slow things down. Pick up a chord progression that you know already, some basic chords that you can play easily and then simply play them at a slow tempo, something between 65 and 85bpm or slower if needed. This is a very simple trick, could also be boring but definitely will help you to improve on this matter.

  6. Tom ODay

    I’ve done this even before seeing this video. I think it does help build your memory of the chords. Seems simple, but it works.

  7. David Robbins

    Getting there slowly but surely.

  8. stephen mazfari

    Hi Mark only been playing for 2 weeks and I’m hooked on your lessons. Please keep up the great work your doing, can’t wait to knock a tune out. Best wishes Steve

  9. Dana Rader

    Help, I’ve been working on FCHORD for a year I’ve modified it so my point fingers is on Broadway E
    string and I’m still having trouble

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