Learn Many Chords From Just One
A moveable chord is a chord shape that can be moved up and down the fretboard. Learning chords this way has several advantages, probably the greatest of which is that you can learn many chords very quickly by just learning one.
Keep in mind that when playing a chord in first position, an open string will be present. Once the chord is shifted up, the open string will be substituted with the first finger (sometimes as a barre).
This method for learning chords is by no means new or revolutionary. You can find moveable chords being taught in method books from the 1800s.
The triads below are grouped into root position, first inversion and second inversion. The root note of the chord has been indicated by arrows for the first chord, but it’s your job to think of the root note for the remaining chords.
Each “shape” is the same starting on 6-5-4 as it is on strings 5-4-3, meaning that with just one chord shape, you’re able to play about 20 chords by shifting it up and across.
Say the name of each chord as you play it!
Keep in mind that when playing a chord in first position, an open string will be present. Once the chord is shifted up, the open string will be substituted with the first finger (sometimes as a barre).
This method for learning chords is by no means new or revolutionary. You can find moveable chords being taught in method books from the 1800s.
The triads below are grouped into root position, first inversion and second inversion. The root note of the chord has been indicated by arrows for the first chord, but it’s your job to think of the root note for the remaining chords.
Each “shape” is the same starting on 6-5-4 as it is on strings 5-4-3, meaning that with just one chord shape, you’re able to play about 20 chords by shifting it up and across.
Say the name of each chord as you play it!
Can you find triads in pieces you're working on? Please upload images of your score or videos of you demonstrating to inspire fellow HTM members to do it too!
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