Deal All,

I have started playing classical guitar just recently, 2 months to be exact. I am having hard time in playing the chords after 3rd fret. I have printed out a nice chart that shows the chords on all stings until the 12th fret. But now I am having hard time understanding how to determine which stings on which frets to use while playing ex: Am, or CM. I'd like to understand the theory rather than memorizing.

I hope my above explanations are clear and do hope to receive some answers.

Thanks in advance to all of you.

I'm watching your post to see the answer to that myself as I have an idea about the theory, but I'm too new at guitar to form a good answer, but I to see your question responded to !

GuitarZen

I not entirely sure I understand the question but if you are trying to play tabs or other already written songs it should specify which fret to play on otherwise, you can just listen to the song and figure which octave to play on or just play the basic chords.  If you are trying to write your own songs or solo then the fret doesnt really matter.  Its much easier to learn your basic scales then all you have to do is slide up the fret board (think of barring the 12th fret as an octave higher of strumming just open strings).  Music theory can definitely help you out, seriously, the ten bucks you'll spend on a theory book is well worth it.  If you have played piano/keyboard before then theory should be easy to pick up and transcribe to the guitar.  Actually, I've had conflicting messages that if you think of the fretboard as the keyboard its easier or that its easier to start with a clean slate (not knowing piano).  Try re-posting with a little more depth of your issue if what I said is completely off the mark.

I hope my above explanations are clear and do hope to receive some answers.

Thanks in advance to all of everbody.

Gem23, GuitarZen, Deebz and freedy -- when the "How To Make..." CAGED chords postings are done, I'll start a new posting on "how to" position ALL the chords anywhere on the neck, ie: E at nut (E-shape), E at fret 4 (both D and C-shapes), E at fret 7 (A-shape), and E at fret 9 (G-shape). Think of it as "how to USE the CAGED shapes." Which you'll probably easily recognize as "how" they play those L-O-N-G runs from the bass on E6-string all the way up and across the strings to the treble E1-string fret 12...and above.

Thanks OTM, looking forward to 'How To Use The Caged Shapes' upcoming lessons as I know they'll be very valuable !

GuitarZen