Ever looked at your guitar neck and wondered why chords are shaped the way they are? Turns out there's a simple pattern behind every chord you play. Understanding this pattern means you can build any chord, anywhere on the neck…
Figure out chords anywhere on the neck
Understand why chords sound the way they do
Create your own chord voicings
Learn songs faster by understanding chord patterns
- To find the notes in major chords:
- Start at your root note…
- go up 4 frets to find your '3rd'
- then up another 3 frets to find the '5th'
- To find the notes in minor chords:
- Start at your root note…
- go up 3 frets to find your 'flat 3rd'
- then up another 4 frets to find the '5th
A
(5th fret)
C#
(9th fret)
E
(12th fret)
A
(5th fret)
C
(8th fret)
E
(12th fret)
The difference between major and minor is like musical colours - they create completely different moods in your playing. Once you understand this difference, you'll start hearing it everywhere in music.
Know which chords fit the mood you want
Understand why songs sound happy or sad
Write better songs
Learn to play by ear more easily
Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Hey Jude - The Beatles
Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes
Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Green Day
House of the Rising Sun - The Animals
Rhythm is what makes music move. You can play all the right notes, but without good rhythm, it won't sound like music. Let's start with the patterns that form the foundation of most songs.
Play with other musicians
Keep steady time
Make your playing sound professional
Learn songs more accurately
Start with: Down, down, down, down (counts 1-2-3-4)
Then try: Down, up, down, up, down, up, down, up (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + )
Think of music theory like a recipe - just because you can read it doesn't mean you can cook. The real test is putting these concepts into practice until they become natural parts of your playing. Here's what that means...
- Your chord changes are smooth
- Your rhythm is steady
- Your playing sounds natural, not mechanical
Remember… Theory is just explaining why things sound good. Master these basics before moving on. A solid foundation will make everything else easier.
Based in Stratford, East London, we offer expert guitar and bass tuition for all ages and skill levels.
Looking to improve your playing or master new techniques? Click below to book your free trial session.
Call us at 02031434809
Send an email to lessons@guitartuitioneastlondon.co.uk
Guitar Tuition East London
8-10 Penny Brookes Street,
London, E20 1BN
Ever wondered why some guitarists seem to pick things up faster, play better with others, and figure out songs more easily? A lot of it comes down to understanding some basic music theory. Here's what you need to know, and why it matters…