Unit 5 · Absolute Beginner

Pulse, Subdivision, and First Chords

Steady beat, simple strumming, and two-note chord shapes.

Lesson
Keep the beat while two chords change
Estimated time
70 minutes
Status
Previewing
Preview available

Complete the required prior unit before this unit can be marked complete. You may still read and try every activity.

What you will learn

Distinguish beat from rhythm and sustain an original Em-Asus2 progression for one minute using whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, and planned rests.

Why this matters: A chord change belongs inside musical time. Learning an easy two-finger move while the pulse continues establishes the recovery and preparation habits used in every later accompaniment pattern.

Before you begin

Stable guitar setup · External tuning · Quarter-note counting · A relaxed down-strum

The beat stays; the rhythm chooses events

In 4/4, four quarter-note beats organize each measure. A whole note lasts four beats, a half note lasts two, and a quarter note lasts one. The beat continues even when a chord rings or a rest creates silence.

A chord is a group of notes heard together. Em and Asus2 share an easy two-finger shape, letting the musical problem stay focused on timing, sound, and movement instead of hand strength.

Chord shape

Build E minor without squeezing

Place fingers 2 and 3 just behind fret 2 on strings 4 and 3. Let every string ring; use only enough pressure for a clear sound.

Text diagram: Em: string 6 open E, string 5 fret 2 finger 2 B, string 4 fret 2 finger 3 E, string 3 open G, string 2 open B, string 1 open E. Strum all six strings.

Chord shape

Move the same fingers to Asus2

Move the two-finger pair one string toward the floor. Begin the strum on open string 5 and avoid string 6.

Text diagram: Asus2: string 6 muted, string 5 open A, string 4 fret 2 finger 2 E, string 3 fret 2 finger 3 A, string 2 open B, string 1 open E. Strum from string 5.

Rhythm grid · 4/4

Whole-note and half-note chord changes

1Down
2Hold
3Hold
4Hold
1Down
2Hold
3Down
4Hold

First use one Em strum for a whole measure and one Asus2 strum for a whole measure. Then change on beats 1 and 3 for half notes.

Rhythm grid · 4/4

A rest is a timed action

1Down
2Down
3Rest
4Down

Count beat 3, stop the strings gently, and keep the strumming motion small enough to return on beat 4.

1 · Model

Observe an Em-Asus2 progression for one minute

A written model of an Em-Asus2 progression for one minute with each action described in sequence.

  1. Watch the two-finger pair move together one string toward the floor and back.
  2. Count four beats of Em and four beats of Asus2 while the fretting fingers hover before each move.
  3. Notice that a late chord may recover on the next beat without restarting.

Help you can use: Read the complete model before playing · Keep the success criteria visible

  • The quarter-note count continues for one minute.
  • Chord changes land on the intended beat most of the time.
  • The learner recovers after an error without abandoning the pulse.
2 · Guided attempt

Try an Em-Asus2 progression for one minute with prompts

A guided attempt at an Em-Asus2 progression for one minute with numbered prompts and self-checks.

  1. Set the metronome to 50 BPM with a one-measure count-in.
  2. Play four measures of whole-note changes, then four measures of half-note changes.
  3. Say each chord name before its first strum.

Help you can use: Use the numbered steps · Pause between repetitions to diagnose one result

  • The quarter-note count continues for one minute.
  • Chord changes land on the intended beat most of the time.
  • The learner recovers after an error without abandoning the pulse.
3 · Fade support

Use fewer prompts for an Em-Asus2 progression for one minute

A reduced-support attempt at an Em-Asus2 progression for one minute before consulting the model.

  1. Keep only the metronome and chord names visible.
  2. Alternate one measure of whole notes with one measure of the rest pattern.
  3. Continue after one missed chord and re-enter on the next beat 1.

Help you can use: Consult the model only after completing an attempt · Keep one counting or setup cue

  • The quarter-note count continues for one minute.
  • Chord changes land on the intended beat most of the time.
  • The learner recovers after an error without abandoning the pulse.
4 · Independent attempt

Perform an Em-Asus2 progression for one minute independently

An independent attempt at an Em-Asus2 progression for one minute without prompts or demonstration.

  1. Choose whole-note or half-note changes before starting.
  2. Perform Em and Asus2 for one uninterrupted minute at 50 BPM without a demonstration.
  3. Finish on Em and let the final chord ring for four beats.

Help: Complete without prompts or a model.

  • The quarter-note count continues for one minute.
  • Chord changes land on the intended beat most of the time.
  • The learner recovers after an error without abandoning the pulse.

Reflect

Design an eight-measure chord rhythm

Write which chord begins each measure and where at least one rest occurs. Explain why the rest helps the phrase.

Guided practice

Build the skill in manageable steps

Exercise 1

Release pressure before the move

Separate releasing, moving, and pressing so the hand does not drag against the strings.

  1. Form Em and play once.
  2. Release pressure while fingertips still touch the strings.
  3. Move the pair to Asus2, press, and play once.
  4. Repeat eight times without tempo, then at 50 BPM.
Success sounds or feels like
  • Both fingers move as a pair.
  • Pressure releases before sideways motion.
  • Open strings are not squeezed by neighboring fingers.
Make it smaller when
  • One finger repeatedly arrives much later than the other.
Increase difficulty when
  • Eight changes remain clean at one change per two beats.
Exercise 2

Clap beat values away from the guitar

Hear duration and silence before coordinating chord shapes.

  1. Count 1-2-3-4 steadily.
  2. Clap whole notes for four measures.
  3. Clap half notes for four measures.
  4. Clap quarter notes with a rest on beat 3.
Success sounds or feels like
  • Counting never stops during holds or rests.
  • Each value occupies the correct number of beats.
Make it smaller when
  • Use only whole and half notes.
Increase difficulty when
  • Switch values each measure without changing pulse.

Common mistakes

Match the problem to a better next try

Late chords keep causing restarts.

Likely cause: The chord result has replaced the continuing beat.

Try: Keep counting, allow one silent beat if needed, and re-enter on the next beat 1.

Asus2 sounds heavy or muddy.

Likely cause: The strum begins on string 6 instead of string 5.

Try: Rest the pick above string 5 before the count-in and use a smaller strum.

Whole notes receive four separate strums.

Likely cause: Beat and attack are being treated as the same thing.

Try: Strum on beat 1, count 2-3-4 while the chord rings, then change.

Knowledge check

Explain the practice decision

1. What continues during a whole note or rest?
2. In 4/4, where do two half-note chord attacks normally begin?
3. A chord misses beat 1. What best protects the music?

Check your work

Keep the beat while two chords change assessment

Complete every required criterion and record the requested reflection or value.

You check off guitar-playing tasks yourself. FretGarden only grades tasks where you tap, click, or choose an answer on screen.

Review plan

Return before the idea fades

Now

Clap whole, half, and quarter notes while counting through a rest.

Next session

Retrieve the one-minute Em-Asus2 loop before viewing the diagrams.

One week

Perform the same rhythm at 60 BPM or begin with Asus2.

Long term

Return to the loop whenever chord changes begin to replace the underlying beat.

Optional extension: Use the same eight-measure plan with quiet and strong sections while the tempo stays unchanged.