Chord Progressions For Banjo Practice printable pdf download

Chord Progressions For Banjo Practice

The Banjo Encyclopedia by Ross Nickerson

Chapter 9: Rhythm, Chords, and Playing Backup

Chord Progressions for Practice

Use three different chord progressions (series of chords we will use to play a fictitious

practice song) as practice tools for learning these chords. These examples will give you

the opportunity to try all the positions in context. The chord progressions are identical in

each key, only the key changes.

Practice by playing each chord below for two measures. As you learn the chord positions,

it is okay to start by strumming or using the three-finger pinch as you locate each chord.

Key of G

Key of D

Key of C

Key of A

G D F C

D A C G

C G B

A E G D

G E7 A D

D B7 E A

C A7 D G

A F

7 B E

G E

D B

C A

A F

Augmented and Diminished Chords

Augmented Chords

Augmented chords may be useful in some of the songs you will be playing. They are used

often in place of the V chord (see Chapter 14 for more on V chords) or by splitting two

measures with a V chord. For instance, in the key of G, when turning the verse around,

you would play the D chord for one measure and the D aug for one measure before

returning to G.

The same shape is used for every augmented chord. Use the form graphic and the

accompanying chart to find any augmented chord in these keys.

Diminished Chords

The diminished chords work in much the same way as the augmented. The same shape or

chord position is used for every diminished chord. I have two dimished shapes, but, if

you look carefully, the only difference between the two shapes is where you put your

fingers. The actual notes are the same.

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Chord Progressions For Banjo Practice