In this lesson, we’ll learn a little secret to faster chord changes. I call it Anchor Fingers, and it's the detail that will allow you to play your first songs in no time! By using anchor fingers, you get faster to the following chord. Cool, eh?

If you're following my Beginner Guitar Course, I expect you to know the D and A chords - those are the grips we'll use for this lesson! There are other moments where you'll be able to apply anchor fingers - and these lessons will guide you through all you need to know. :)

Now let's learn that trick!

What's an Anchor Finger?

When you change between two chords and keep a finger on the same fret or string, we call that finger an anchor finger. Anchor fingers make chord changes faster and more efficient!

It's not always possible to 'anchor fingers,' but you should always take advantage of it when you can. It really helps you speed up your guitar playing, and it's the secret to nail playing easy songs even in the very early guitar stages. :)

Now, let's give it a go and see how an anchor finger can help you change from the D to the A Chord.

Fast Changes Between A & D Chords

Here's a step-by-step you can use to change faster between the A and the D Chords! Follow them slowly:

First, place your fingers on the strings to form a D chord. You won’t strum the chord for this exercise, so there’s no need to press down on the strings.
Once your fingers are in position, raise your 2nd and 3rd fingers off the strings. This leaves your 1st finger anchored in the 2nd fret.
Now slide your 1st finger back slightly within the fret, keeping your finger on the string the whole time.
Now, replace your 2nd and 3rd fingers in position to form an A chord. Repeat this process by going back and forth between the D and the A chord.

A Little Reminder :)

Keep your 1st finger touching the string throughout the chord change. Focus on getting your fingers in the right position each time. Over time this exercise will help you build up speed when changing chords. Once you’ve mastered chord changes using an anchor finger, let’s move on to the next lesson and meet the best beginner exercise for learning chord changes!