New Chords and Keys Guitar Lesson

Chapter 1: (00:35) Lesson Intro Get tuned up and ready for a new lesson! Jim Deeming provides a brief fingerstyle performance in this introduction scene. Chapter 2: (18:38) Chords and Keys Lesson Objectives

-Learn the remaining chords in the "CAGED" system. The CAGED system refers to the most commonly used chords in first position. Each letter stands for a specific major chord. At this point, Jim has discussed the G, C, and D chords. In the current lesson, you will learn the A major and E major chords. The visual fretboard shapes that are used to play the CAGED chords will later be converted into movable barre chord voicings.

-Learn how chords relate to one another within a specific key.

-Apply these concepts to some basic chord progression exercises in the keys of D and A major.

Review

At this point in the series, Jim has demonstrated three chord shapes - G, C, and D. By now, you should feel very comfortable with these chords. Remember which strings are strummed within each chord. All six strings are strummed in the G chord. The sixth string is omitted from the C chord. The D chord omits the sixth and fifth strings.

You should also be able to apply these chords to the various strumming patterns discussed in the last two lessons. Remember that rhythm is the most important aspect when playing an accompaniment pattern. You absolutely must be able to perform these exercises in time with a metronome. If you have not yet succeeded in this task, keep practicing!

Primary Triads (I, IV, and V Chords)

There are three primary triads that outline the harmonic structure of each major key. A "triad" is a chord that contains three distinct pitches. The primary triads for a major key comprise the most common type of chord progression used in Western music. This progression is referred to as the I, IV, V progression.

The G, C, and D chords are the primary triads in the key of G major. The primary triads are built from the first, fourth, and fifth scale degrees of the major scale that shares the same letter name. For example, when referring to the key of G major, the G, C, and D chords are derived from the first, fourth, and fifth scale degrees of the G major scale. The G major scale is spelled as follows: G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G.
A Roman numeral can be applied to each note in the scale based on its order. Study the list below:

G: I
A: II
B: III
C: IV
D: V
E: VI
F#: VII
G: I

As you can see, G, C, and D are the I, IV, and V scale degrees within the G major scale. The primary triads are built from these scale degrees. When referring to these chords in the context of G major, the G, C, and D chords are labeled with Roman numerals I, IV, and V respectively.

Using Roman numerals in place of chord letter names has one specific advantage. Roman numerals show the relationship between chords regardless of a specific key. Consequently, they are frequently used when transposing a chord progression to a new key.

I, IV, and V Chords in D Major

Jim applies these concepts to the key of D major at 04:10 in the lesson video. The D major scale is spelled as follows: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D. The corresponding Roman numeral for each scale degree is listed below.

D: I
E: II
F#: III
G: IV
A: V
B: VI
C#: VII
D: I

Thus, in the key of D major, the I, IV, and V chords are D, G, and A respectively.

At this point, you have already learned the D and G chords. Now it's time to learn the A chord.

A Major Chord

This chord features two open strings and three fretted notes. Both the fifth string and the first string are played open. The low sixth string is omitted from the A chord. The first finger frets the note E at the 2nd fret of the fourth string. An A root note is fretted by the second finger at the 2nd fret of the third string. Finally, the third finger frets the note C# at the 2nd fret of the second string.

Alternate Fingerings for the A Chord

All of the possible fingerings for A major that are detailed in this lesson are perfectly acceptable. Each fingering has its own advantages. The appropriate fingering is dependent upon the other chords that are used in a progression.

Fingers 2, 3, 4

Within this fingering, the fifth and first strings are still played open. The fretted notes occur in the same locations as well. However, an alternate fingering is applied to the fretted notes. Now, the second finger frets the note at the 2nd fret of the fourth string. The A root note on the third string is fretted by the third finger. Finally, the note on the second string is fretted by the pinkie finger. Jim finds this fingering to be the most comfortable due to the size of his fingers.

When first learning this fingering, place the fingers on the fretboard in this order: 4, 2, 3. It is usually easiest to fit these fingers into a small, compact area when they are placed on the fretboard in this order.

Fingers 2, 1, 3

The fretted notes within the A chord are now fretted by the second, first, and third fingers respectively. The vast majority of guitarists find this fingering to be the most comfortable.

Potential A Chord Problems

The A chord typically gives beginning guitarists some problems. Three fingers must be crammed into the space of a single fret. This is especially challenging for adult guitarists with large hands. Others have problems producing a clear tone with the open E string. Remember the proper left hand guidelines from lessons 5 and 6. Fret the notes with the very tips of the fingers. Arching the wrist outwards will help with this technique. Also, keep your fingernails as short as possible.

Chord Change Exercises

Practice switching back and forth between the A chord and the other chords that you have already learned. Experiment with each fingering for the A chord within this exercise. When switching from D to A for example, the 2, 1, 3 fingering works the best, because the first finger does not have to move. Always use the fingering option that requires the smallest amount of left hand movement.

Key of D Exercise

This exercise utilizes the I, IV, and V chords in the key of D major (D, G, and A). Each chord is strummed in quarter notes for one measure. Within each measure, the lowest root note of the chord is picked on beats 1 and 3. The remaining strings in the chord are strummed with downstrokes on beats 2 and 4.

Remember to practice all chord progression exercises with a metronome! Tap your foot along with the beat to internalize the pulse. Also, count the beat out loud.

E Major Chord

The E major chord is the last to learn in the CAGED system. This chord is actually one of the easiest to play in the entire guitar vocabulary.

All six strings are strummed within an E chord. The sixth, second, and first strings are played open. The second finger frets the note B at the 2nd fret of the fifth string. The third finger frets an E root note at the 2nd fret of the fourth string. Finally, the first finger frets the note G# at the 1st fret of the third string. There are no alternate fingerings to learn for this chord.

Chord Change Exercises

Practice switching back and forth between the E chord and the other chords that you have learned. When switching from E to A for example, the 2, 1, 3 fingering and the 2, 3, 4 fingering work best for A. These fingering options require the least amount of left hand movement.

Key of A Exercise

This exercise features the I, IV, and V chords in the key of A major (A, D, and E). Each chord is strummed in quarter notes for one measure. Within each measure, the lowest root note of the chord is picked on beats 1 and 3. The remaining strings in the chord are strummed with downstrokes on beats 2 and 4.

Function of the Primary Triads

Each of the primary triads carries out a specific function. The I chord, or tonic chord, serves as a musical home base. The IV chord typically returns to the I chord or precedes the V chord. The V chord typically returns back to the I chord. Jim demonstrates a common progression in the lesson video that exhibits these concepts. In the key of A major, this progression features the following chord changes: I, IV, I, V, I, IV, V, I (A, D, A, E, A, D, E, A).

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