Forming a band is one of the biggest rewards of being a musician. The ability to play and create music with others; make new friends, and perform at different venues is what it’s all about. However, musicians must also possess a certain degree of skill before they hit the stage. That’s where Card Chords come into play.
While many bands spend months and years rehearsing the same tunes (often until they get sick of them), musicians who use Card Chords are progressing much faster. Even newbies with little more than a dream and a deck of these perforated tabs have learned how to play basic guitar chords together and started playing covers in local pubs.
We’re here today to explain how Card Chords work, what they are, and how musicians of all skill levels and ages are using them to bond over music, create tunes, and uplift their respective bands.
What are Card Chords & Why Use Them?
Music tablatures have been around since the 1450s, and to this day, their purpose was to help people put their musical ideas to paper (and let others read them). Card Chords is a deck of guitar tabs with a unique twist – they were meant to be simpler, more compact, and more practical than traditional tablatures.
More importantly, Card Chords were designed to help beginner guitarists learn how to play elementary music chords faster than any other music-learning tool. As Mike Gradne, the creator and designer of Card Chords notes, these perforated tabs were meant to help musicians tackle basic chords in merely a few minutes.
Why use Card Chords? Not only are these pocket-sized tools easy to use – they are perfectly suited for use in a group setting. Guitarist friends and even whole bands can benefit from Card Chords. One player can learn a few chords while the other guitarist and the bassist are using other Cards; in a couple of minutes, they can simply swap each other’s Card Chords and learn all fundamental chords during a single rehearsal session.
A Guitar and a Deck of Card Chords Are All You Need
As a newcomer to music, you might be wondering what you’re supposed to bring to your first band tryout. Some believe they need as many music books as possible; others think that having every tool imaginable will help them learn how to play faster. The truth is, you only need a deck of Card Chords to master guitar chords, even today if you wanted to.
Music theory only matters in practice after years of studying, so your collection of chord shapes, names, and classical compositions might be useful some other time. It’d be great if you had a tuner, but other than that, you’ll be set to start or join a band as soon as you’ve learned a few easy chords, and that’s where Card Chords shine the brightest.
Card Chords Equip You With Knowledge to Form or Join a Band
Many bands were formed by people who only later became musicians, but with the advent of the internet, the scene became significantly more competitive. Nearly all musicians expect potential bandmates to have at least a basic understanding of chords and music theory.
If you’ve always dreamed of joining a band or making your own, you don’t have to be stuck in your bedroom practicing for months.
Card Chords promote fast learning and better memory retention in the simplest way possible. By placing the Card Chord over the first 3 frets on your guitar’s fingerboard, you’ll be constantly reminded of where to place your fingers (and the chord’s name).
Unlike regular tabs, Card Chords don’t require the player to pause their playing to read or vice versa. You’ll be able to look at the finger position marker and play at the same time – it feels natural and saves time.
Are Your Bandmates Struggling to Lear Chords? Teach Them Using Card Chords
Card Chords were not specifically designed to help one player learn guitar chords. After all, music teachers, instructors, and coaches use them while teaching guitar. After you’ve learned the ropes of guitar chord play, you can become your band’s guitar coach and help your bandmates get up to speed so you can start doing pubs and local music venues sooner.
Bring your deck of Card Chords to your next rehearsal, place it on your guitar, and demonstrate the chords you’ve learned. After that, simply remove the Card Chord and pass it to your guitarist friend. They’ll have a much easier time learning the chord you just showed since you’ll be there to guide them. Best of all, by the time your entire band has learned how to play elementary chords, you’ll still have plenty of time left to practice songs!
Take Your Guitar-Learning On the Go
With Card Chords, you’re free to learn or teach guitar wherever and whenever you want. Let’s say your band just formed and you’ve decided to celebrate in a nearby park. While the hype is still strong, pull your guitar from the gig bag, insert the Card Chord on the first three frets, and inspire your bandmates by showing them how to play their first chord.
Whether you’re in a tour bus, in a car, at recess, at your friend’s house, in the rehearsal room, or even in the recording studio, having a deck of Card Chords in your bag can help you either learn or remember a variety of simple chords in a pinch.
Unlike regular tabs, Card Chords allow you to play over the tablature as if it wasn’t there, so whether you’re jamming, practicing, or recording, they’ll surely be an invaluable help to you.
Ready to Begin? Get Your Card Chords and Your Band Up To Speed
Our Card Chords come in three editions – Stratocaster, Les Paul, and Universal Edition. You can find more info and choose your first deck of Card Chords here. They’re remarkably easy to use, but if you have any further questions, check out this quick demonstration of How to Use Card Chords for Beginners.
