The process of learning chords can also be a lot easier if you classify chords by separating them into common families. For example, you can start with the key of A, along with D and E, or learn the minor keys first. This technique will make your practice time more efficient. You can also look for songs with only three chords which you can practice playing repeatedly.
One of the usual problems of beginners is the difficulty in stretching and switching their fingers, especially for complex chords. During the first few tries, it is usual that you get blister on your fingers. Switching chords rapidly is really difficult but you can overcome these problems with constant practice and repetition. To avoid this, try memorizing two to three chords per day. When you feel that you perfectly know them, add a few more chords into your vocabulary.
Guitar tutors usually teach their students to learn the open chords first. These are the chords that only require two or three fingers. Start familiaring yourself with these easy chords before proceeding to complicated ones. Many recommend that a beginner familiarizes himself with the nine chords such A, Am, C, D, Dm, E, Em, F and G before playing the bar chords.
Once you learn to proper finger positions for the chords, you will exert less effort in pressing the strings and the stiffness of your fingers will be gone.
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