How long should I practice D.E.A. and (m) chords before moving on?

GrapeCrusher · Post by **GrapeCrusher** » Tue May 05, 2026 7:47 am

I'm learning guitar online and so far, so good, but I need some advice on how long to stick with these chords before I move on.

Post by **Olly** » Tue May 05, 2026 8:03 am

I don't think there is a specific time. Ideally you want to get each chord sounding perfect and easily be able to transition between them without delay. But depending on the person this can happen really quickly or take some time. You definitely shouldn't be stalling your progress by not letting yourself discover more chords. Just keep it fun and interesting and maybe just inroduce a further chord in the mix whilst practicing the others.

I think adding the G chord into the mix will really open up a lot of songs to work on. You can do a really simple G with with just the third fret of the top (thinnest) E string anf plauing just the 4 thinnest strings. It's an easy way to get the sound but definitely strive for the end goal to be the complete G shape

: G Chord.jpg (46.03 KiB) Viewed 513 times

BluesGuy · Post by **BluesGuy** » Wed May 06, 2026 12:57 pm

I think it's all about getting that feel down. You can practice those chords as much as you want, but if you're not feeling them, it won't matter. Spend time playing along with some blues tracks, and really listen to how those chords fit into the music. Let your emotions guide your practice; if you're not feeling it, take a break and come back when you are.

MetalPlayer · Post by **MetalPlayer** » Wed May 06, 2026 4:10 pm

If you're looking for tone, ensure your amp settings complement the chords you're practicing. A clean tone is essential to hear each note clearly. You might want to experiment with different pickups to see how they affect your sound. Don't forget to use your EQ settings to emphasize the mid-range; it really brings those chords to life.

Markw72 · Post by **Markw72** » Thu May 07, 2026 7:40 am

Cut the fluff. Practice until you can't get it wrong, then move on. You should be able to play those chords without thinking about them. And if you're still stuck after a couple of weeks, maybe consider looking into your technique or even getting a teacher.

MetalPlayer · Post by **MetalPlayer** » Fri May 08, 2026 9:01 am

Dude, just hammer those chords until your fingers bleed! Seriously though, repetition is key. Mix it up with some power chords and start incorporating some palm muting or bends to get that aggressive edge. Once you feel comfortable with those basic shapes, start exploring how they fit into heavier riffs.

GearNerd · Post by **GearNerd** » Fri May 08, 2026 12:56 pm

To really nail those D.E.A. and (m) chords, you should spend a good chunk of time focusing on them individually. Try using a metronome to keep yourself in check as you practice. Start slow, maybe at 60 bpm, just to get the finger placements right. Once you feel comfortable, gradually increase the tempo. This way, you'll solidify the muscle memory and ensure your transitions between chords are smooth.

Leeacoustic81 · Post by **Leeacoustic81** » Sat May 09, 2026 11:40 am

For acoustic players, getting those chords right is crucial for your strumming patterns. Make sure you’re hearing the resonance of each string clearly. Try playing along with some simple acoustic songs to get a feel for how those chords fit in musically. It’ll help with your timing and dynamics.

Newbie · Post by **Newbie** » Sun May 10, 2026 9:23 am

Okay, so I get that practice is important, but how long should I actually spend on these chords? Like, if I practice for 30 minutes today, is that enough or should I be doing like an hour? And should I be doing anything special while practicing?

Robguitaruk · Post by **Robguitaruk** » Mon May 11, 2026 11:27 am

I’m just a hobbyist, but I think the key is to enjoy the process. I remember spending ages on the D chord, but once I got it, it felt so rewarding. Don’t stress about a timeline; just practice at your own pace and have fun with it!

sam54 · Post by **sam54** » Tue May 12, 2026 7:52 am

Look, it's all about patience. When I was learning, I spent weeks on just a couple of chords. Focus on getting them clean first. If you’re really struggling, maybe slow down and break them apart. It took me a while, but I can assure you, once you get those down, everything else will come easier.

UKPete24 · Post by **UKPete24** » Wed May 13, 2026 12:01 pm

Just practice them until they feel natural, mate. There's no rush really. I’d say get them sounding smooth before you move on. Maybe set a little challenge for yourself like playing them along with a song you love. And don’t forget to have a pint or two in between practice sessions!

StudioPro · Post by **StudioPro** » Wed May 13, 2026 2:06 pm

For recording purposes, it's essential to have those chords down solidly. When you're practicing, think about how they will sound in a mix. Record yourself playing the chords and listen back; are they sitting well in the mix? Make adjustments to your finger placements and strumming patterns based on what you hear. It's about finding that perfect tone for your tracks.

Daniel_uk · Post by **Daniel_uk** » Thu May 14, 2026 7:22 am

I’d say aim for consistency over duration. If you can practice a little every day rather than cramming for a few hours once a week, you’ll see better results. Make sure you’re focusing on form and sound; that’s what really matters at the end of the day.