Approach To Learning The Basic Chords (Page 3 of 3) in pdf

Approach To Learning The Basic Chords Page 3

APPROACH TO LEARNING THE BASIC CHORDS

(WITHOUT CHORD DIAGRAMS)

This approach depends upon recognizing forms of the chord types. For example, A major, Bb major,

and B major are all similar in chord shape. D major, Eb major, and E major are likewise similar to each

other. One should slowly play the chords (of one type, e.g. major) in order. Note that you play a major

form until another simpler form is encountered. Then play that form until a simpler one is possible, and

take that one as far as necessary.

If you can, figure out where the root of the chord is for each form, and notice the patterns that emerge.

After you can play all of the major chords in order (slowly), go on to the minor chords, then the dominant

chords, etc. Your understanding of the chords will be enhanced by learning the notes on the

fingerboard, at least up to the 5

fret.

MAJOR

A Bb B C C# D Eb E F F# G Ab

MINOR

Am Bbm Bm Cm C#m Dm Ebm Em Fm F#m Gm Abm

DOMINANT 7

A7 Bb7 B7 C7 C#7 D7 Eb7 E7 F7 F#7 G7 Ab7

MINOR 7

Am7 Bbm7 Bm7 Cm7 C#m7 Dm7 Ebm7 Em7 Fm7 F#m7 Gm7 Abm7

DIMINISHED 7

Adim7 Bbdim7 Bdim7 Cdim7 C#dim7 Ddim7 Ebdim7 Edim7 Fdim7 F#dim7 Gdim7 Abdim7

Notes:

3. For diminished chords, any note upon which a finger is placed can serve as the root of the chord.

4. For a dominant 7 flat 9 chord (e.g. C7b9), play the diminished of the flat 9, that is the dimished one-

half step higher. For example, for a C7b9, play a C#dim.

AUGMENTED

A+ Bb+ B+ C+ C#+ D+ Eb+ E+ F+ F#+ G+ Ab+

Notes:

2. For augmented chords, any note upon which a finger is placed can serve as the root of the

chord.

Approach To Learning The Basic Chords Page 3