WELCOME TO PAUL CABRI'S CYBER HOME
Lesson 1
Introduction
to Open and First Position Chords (cont.)
Example 4:
Here's another example of a I(F)-VI(Dm)-II(Gm/D)-V7(C7) progression. This progression is in the key of F major and has two common finger applications. The first is between the 2nd finger of F (on the 3rd string) and D minor while the other is between the 1st finger of C7 (on the 2nd string) and F.
Three new elements are also introduced here and they are the use of an inversion (or slash chord) "Gm/D" , bar chords "Gm/D and F" and a closed position chord "F". Note that the II chord is written as a Gm/D (G minor over D). This means that it's still a G minor but it's bottom note is a D instead of G. Suffice it to say that anytime the bottom note of a chord is not it's root (chord letter name) an inversion will be indicated with a slash between the chord name (left side) and it's bass note (right side).
Regarding the bar chord forms, anytime a left hand finger has to press down more than one string at a time it is called a bar chord. In the case of the Gm/D the third finger of the left hand must press down the first three strings while the F requires that you press down the first two strings with your index finger.
Also present here are closed position chords which are moveable forms because they do not make use of open strings. The reasoning here is that an open string (note) cannot be moved without it becoming a closed note It's important to be aware of this because open strings, as well as open chords have a different sound than closed ones. In short they tend to ring and/or resonate more.The F chord in the first measure is a closed chord and uses the first four strings (all fingered), not the fifth and sixth which should be muted. If this chord, which is in first position (index finger on the first fret) is moved to third position it will be a G, fifth position an A and so on. That means that for every closed position chord you learn you really have twelve, one for every chromatic note of the scale (E, F, F#, G, G# etc.). Those are a lot more chords to have under your fingers for playing songs.
Example 5:
The last progression in this lesson is the most difficult to play and although basically in F minor, has a few added chord changes to make it interesting. That said, the Fm, Bbm/D and C7 are I, IV and V7 chords in F minor while the F7, Bb/D and Edim are outside the key. Notice how the first measure switches from Fm to F7 (a minor chord to a dominant 7) while the second measure has a switch from Bb/D to Bbm/F (a major chord to a minor). This type of change is used pretty often in popular songs to create an interesting change in the tone color while keeping the chord progression moving along harmonically (as opposed to just rhythmically). The Edim (diminished) is used here as a passing chord between C7 and Fm.
Common finger applications here are the 3rd finger of the Fm to the F7, the 1st finger of the F7 to the Bb/D and the 1st finger of the Bb/D to the Bbm/F. In case you're wondering why I didn't include the 1st finger of the Fm to the F7 it's because the index finger is going from a barred position to a single string and probably won't stay down although it could. Try holding it verses not and see what works best.
A Final Note
The chords used in these progressions fill certain basic requirements that I believe are helpful in getting one's hands, ears and mind ready for playing different types of music.
Notice that four of the main chord types are represented: major (G, C, E, A, D & F), minor (Em, Am, Dm & Fm) , dominant 7th (D7, G7, B7, C7 & F7) and diminished 7th (Edim). Also note the difference between chords that are open, non-moveable forms (G, C, E, A, D, Em, Am, Dm, D7, G7, B7 & C7) and bar or closed forms that are moveable (F, F7, Fm, Edim & Bbm/F). Finally, be aware of whether a root position chord or inversion (Gm/D, Bb/D & Bbm/F) is being used and how.
Try to get these chords and progressions down by practicing on a regular basis so that you'll be able to learn new ones and apply them to songs you want to play. Feel free to email me if you have any questions and I'll do my best to respond. Good Luck!
