More than one way

We often fall into the trap of believing that there is one right way to do something or one best way to move through life.  This may have been ingrained in us as children or something we defaulted to in time.  The old adage of "that's the way we do it here" too often closes our eyes to new possibilities.  My experiences with the guitar have forced me to rethink what it means to do something the "right" way.  Take for example the standard 1st position E chord, one of the first chords that beginning students are taught.  A common chord in many songs and knowing it (plus a couple others) can get you a long way. 
     Yet this is only one of many possible E chords, in that any major chord is the combination of a root note, a major third above the root and a perfect fifth above the root. Thus, other E chords include.... 

 

Knowing multiple chord forms allows for greater flexibility and voicing, that is, an alternate way to achieve the same basic outcome, but in a way that adds variety.  How often do we do the same in our own lives, rely on the standard routine (take things for face value) without exploring other possibilities (life on the back side).  Avoid stagnation, try something new, even MapQuest gives you the option of taking the road less traveled.  As for me, I've got many more chords to learn.