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Chord change trainer

Pick two chords, get a count-in, then change back and forth for one minute while a metronome keeps time. Tap each time you land a clean chord, and the trainer keeps your best score.

How to use it

  1. Choose the two chords you want to practise. Tap a diagram to hear the chord.
  2. Set the metronome to a tempo you can manage (60 BPM is a good start), or switch the click off.
  3. Press Start and hold the first chord through the four count-in clicks.
  4. Change back and forth for one minute. Tap “Changed!” or press the space bar each time you land a clean chord.
  5. Do this once a day per pair. Your best score and your last ten tries are shown under the trainer.

Tips for faster changes

  • Lift your fingers only just off the strings. Every extra centimetre is extra travel.
  • Land all the fingers together, not one at a time.
  • Keep any finger that stays in the same place pressed down, and slide any finger that stays on the same string.
  • Keep strumming even if the change is late. Rhythm first, then accuracy.

See all 40 chord changes, finger by finger →

Popular chord changes

G to CHarder · Your index finger, middle finger and ring finger lift and move.G to DMedium · Your index finger and ring finger move across to another string on the same fret; your middle finger lifts and moves.C to DHarder · Your index finger, middle finger and ring finger lift and move.G to EmMedium · Your middle finger and ring finger lift and move; your index finger comes off.Em to AmEasier · Your middle finger and ring finger move across to another string on the same fret; your index finger goes down fresh.Am to DHarder · Your index finger, middle finger and ring finger lift and move.C to AmEasier · Your index finger and middle finger stay down; your ring finger lifts and moves.C to FMedium · Your index finger and ring finger stay down; your middle finger moves across to another string on the same fret; your little finger goes down fresh.G to AmHarder · Your index finger, middle finger and ring finger lift and move.Em to CMedium · Your middle finger moves across to another string on the same fret; your ring finger lifts and moves; your index finger goes down fresh.Em to DMedium · Your middle finger and ring finger lift and move; your index finger goes down fresh.Am to EEasier · Your index finger, middle finger and ring finger move across to another string on the same fret.

Questions

How does the chord change trainer work?

Pick two chords and press Start. You hear four count-in clicks while you hold the first chord, then a one-minute timer starts with a metronome click. Each time you land a clean chord, tap the big button or press the space bar. At the end you see your score, your best score and your last ten tries for that pair.

What counts as one change?

Every switch counts: G to C is one, and back to G is two. Only count changes where every string rings clearly; if you have to stop and fix a finger, don’t count it.

How many changes a minute should I aim for?

Around 30 in a minute is a solid start. At 40, most songs at a relaxed tempo start to flow, and at about 60 (one change a second) the change is ready for almost anything.

Are my scores saved?

Yes. Your scores are saved in this browser. If you have a free Fretwork account and are logged in, they are saved to your account too, so they show up on your other devices.

Do I need the metronome click?

No. You can switch it off, but it helps: changing in time with a steady beat is what songs ask of you. Start slow, around 60 BPM, and raise it as your score climbs.

Want a plan, not just a timer?

Daily guitar lessons that fit your time, with a ring test and a one-minute change check for every chord. The first two stages are free.

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