Beginner-friendly guitar slides (Keys of D and A)
Lesson #366 • May 22, 2021
Video lesson
Instructional PDF 1 page
Editor’s notes
Hey friends! New video and PDF today, where I teach how you can slide between different chord voicings for any given chord. Using D-major and A-major specifically, I take 3 different ways to play each of these chords – and show how you can slide “up” to each position using your left hand. This sliding technique is itself one that sounds cool & adds some distinction to your playing. Even if you want to skip the slides, the chord positions I teach here are good to be familiar with…. as there’s more than one way to play any given chord! Be sure to check out my PDF that accompanies this lesson – as it gives you a handy diagram of the fretboard, showing the 3 shapes in both keys – plus showing the same shapes in tab form.
Video timestamps:
- 0:00 Preview & lesson summary
- 2:56 D major: chord shapes
- 7:48 D major: sliding, w/ tab
- 12:38 A major: chord shapes
- 17:47 A major: sliding, w/ tab
- 19:36 Misc tips & final advice
Playing A-major with barred index finger
One concept I use in this video, is that of playing the A-major chord with just one finger (left index, barred across second fret). Here’s a video I made showing how to do that! This is a very handy voicing to have in your back pocket, as sometimes using this chord position is advantageous based on context.
Here’s my video, and be sure to check out my written lesson notes for additional details on this technique.
Enjoy My Lessons? Show Your Support!
Most of the lessons on my website are 100% free. If you have the means, please show your support with a tip jar contribution. I put many hours into every lesson — but it only takes you a minute to make a donation. You have my thanks!
Looking for More Song Lessons?
Featured Courses
Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made
Coming soon is Jambox – which shows all the video jam tracks I've made. It's note quite ready for the spotlight, but check it out if you like!
Subscribe to my YouTube channel
Be sure to never miss a lesson by subscribing on YouTube. I put out 2-3 new videos every week. These include full song lessons, as well as covers, practice tips, behind-the-scenes updates. Thanks!
Recent Lessons
-
December 6, 2024
"Our House" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
-
November 28, 2024
Thanksgiving Roundup: Improved Search, Vidami Coupon Code, and Melody Deep-Dives
-
November 15, 2024
"Scarlet Begonias" by Grateful Dead
-
November 12, 2024
Does CAGED Help When Learning Songs?
-
November 8, 2024
Rhythm Deep Dive: "Guitar Town" by Steve Earle
-
Nov 1, 2024
Website Tour – November 2024
-
Oct 24, 2024
"Fast Car" - Strumming & Rhythm Guide!
-
October 18, 2024
CAGED - It's More Than Just Chords!