Chords in C major - Part 2 Guitar Lesson

Chapter 1: (01:22) Lesson Intro Welcome to lesson 9 of Mark Brennan's Phase 1 Beginner Guitar series! Mark begins this lesson by playing through a chord progression in the key of C major. This progression features some of the new chord shapes that will be discussed in the following scenes.

Lesson Objectives

-Learn the "full" versions of the C, G, C7, and G7 chords.

-Expand the four-string F chord to a voicing that involves five strings.

-Apply these chords to various progressions in the key of C major.

-Accompany the melody line to "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" using chords from this lesson. Chapter 2: (08:01) Full Forms of the C, G7, G, and F Chord Note: Make sure that you have perfected the C, G7, G, and F chords from the previous lesson before attempting the "full" versions that Mark demonstrates in this lesson.

Full C Chord

This particular chord voicing adds a low root note to the C chord discussed in the previous lesson. This C note is fretted by the third finger at the 3rd fret of the fifth string. Adding this note requires a large left hand stretch that may be difficult for beginners, especially those with small hands. This difficult stretch can be mastered with patience and focused practice. After you have formed the chord, pick each of the strings individually to ensure that they are ringing clearly. The low sixth string is still omitted from the chord.

Full G7 Chord

When first forming the G7 chord, place the third and second fingers on the fretboard first. Then, ensure that the open, fourth, third, and second strings are ringing clearly. Next, fret the note F at the 1st fret of the first string. Finally, re-check the open strings to make sure that they are still ringing with a clear tone.

The fingering for the full G7 voicing is quite similar to the fingering of full C major chord. The third, second, and first fingers are used to play the fretted notes. When switching between these two chords, remember to use Mark's "lock and shift" method.

Full G Chord

The full G Chord is very similar to the full G7 chord. These two chords differ by only one note. Instead of fretting the note F on the first string, fret the note G with the pinkie finger at the 3rd fret. Once again, you may experience some difficulties producing clean open notes. Arch the wrist outwards to ensure that the open fourth string rings clearly.

Alternate Full G Chord

An alternate fingering can be used to play the full G major chord. Begin with the fingering for the "easy G" chord discussed in the last lesson. Then, fret the notes on the sixth and fifth strings with the second and first fingers respectively. The fingering option used for the full G chord is usually dependent upon the other chords used in the progression. For example, the first fingering that Mark demonstrated is much more practical within the context of a progression that includes the full C and G7 chords.

Five String F Chord

When converting the four string F chord into a five string voicing, the pinkie finger must fret the root note of the chord located at the 3rd fret of the fourth string. The third finger is now used to play the note C at the 3rd fret of the fifth string. This voicing for F major is an excellent stepping stone towards playing a full F major barre chord that utilizes all six strings. Chapter 3: (03:27) Chord Pairing Exercises Note: Open "Chords in C Major Part 2." This document is listed under the "Supplemental Content" tab. The chord pairing exercises begin in measure 5.

Exercise Instructions

Perform all chord pairing exercises along with a metronome set to a relatively slow tempo such as 70 beats per minute. It is perfectly acceptable to begin the exercises at a slower tempo if necessary.

Each exercise consists of a repeating four measure phrase. Strum the chords in whole notes during the first repetition. Then, strum each chord in a steady half note rhythm. Each chord is still held for the duration of a measure. During the final repetition, strum the chords in a steady quarter note rhythm.

Chord Pairing Exercise 1 (C to G7)

The first exercise features one of the most common chord progressions used in music. To perform this chord change, utilize Mark's "lock and shift" technique.

Chord Pairing Exercise 2 (C to G)

This exercise features similar left hand movements to the previous exercise. Once again, use the "lock and shift" technique with fingers two and three. Hover the pinkie finger above the first string so that it is prepared to fret the note G when necessary.

Chord Pairing Exercise 2 (C to F)

Two pivot fingers are used throughout this exercise. The ring finger remains on the note C at the 3rd fret of the fifth string. The first finger remains planted on the C note located at the 1st fret of the second string. Chapter 4: (04:11) Chord Progressions Note: Open "Chords in C Major Part 2." This document is listed under the "Supplemental Content" tab. The chord progression exercises begin in measure 26.

The exercises presented in this scene involve more than two chords. Consequently, they require a higher level of coordination between the left hand fingers. For this reason, it is a wise idea to perfect all of the chord pairing exercises before advancing to these difficult chord progressions.

Exercise Instructions

Perform all chord progression exercises along with a metronome set to a relatively slow tempo such as 70 beats per minute. It is perfectly acceptable to begin the exercises at a slower tempo if necessary.

Each exercise consists of a repeating four measure phrase. Strum the chords in whole notes during the first repetition. Then, strum each chord in a steady half note rhythm. Each chord is still held for the duration of a measure. During the final repetition, strum the chords in a steady quarter note rhythm.

Chord Progression 1

This exercise includes the following chords: C, Am, F, and G7. When changing from one chord to the next pay close attention to any pivot fingers that can be used. For example, the the second and first fingers can be used as pivot points when switching from C to Am. Also, use the "lock and shift" technique whenever possible. The first and third fingers lock and shift when changing from F major to G7.

Chord Progression 2

This exercise includes the following chords: C, Am, Dm, and G. The chord changes are significantly more difficult in this exercise due to an increased level of movement with the left hand fingers. Fewer pivot points occur within the progression. However, the lock and shift technique can be used when changing from Am to Dm.

Remember to move all fingers simultaneously when performing any chord change. This rule of thumb will help you perform chord changes smoothly and in time. Chapter 5: (03:42) A Few More Progressions Chord Progression 3

This exercise includes the following chords: Am, Em, C, and G. Due to the available pivot fingers and the ability to use the lock and shift method, this is one of the easiest exercises in the lesson. Practice this exercise as a confidence builder if you find yourself struggling with the more challenging, previous exercise.

Chord Progression 4

This exercise includes the following chords: C, Em, Dm, and G7. You will most likely experience the greatest difficulty changing from Em to Dm. If this is the case, drill this chord change until it becomes automatic.

Chord Progression 5

Exercise 5 features an extended chord progression that combines many of the skills utilized in previous exercises. If necessary, it is perfectly acceptable to break this exercise into smaller chunks. Long exercises are often easier to master when they are broken up into smaller, more manageable chunks.

Chapter 6: (03:35) An Exercise with a Familiar Tune Note: Open "Chords in C Major - Part 2 (pg. 2)." The chord progression to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is listed on this document.

C7 Chord

A new chord must be learned in order to play the chord progression to "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." This new chord, C7, occurs in the second measure. C7 is formed by adding the pinkie finger to the "full" version of the C major chord that Mark demonstrated earlier in the lesson. This finger frets the note Bb at the 3rd fret of the third string. The inclusion of this note creates a C dominant seventh (C7) chord. Be careful that you do not accidentally mute the second string with the pinkie finger.

Practicing the Progression

At first, watch and listen closely as Mark performs the progression at 01:16 in the lesson video. Then, practice the progression on your own along with a metronome. Once you have mastered the progression, return to the lesson video and play it along with Mark. Learning to play along with other musicians is an extremely important component of your musical development.
Chapter 7: (00:39) Lesson Wrap-up and What's Next Preview of Next Lesson

Mark will introduce "power" chords in the following lesson. These simple, two-note voicings are used in countless rock sounds to create a chunky, aggressive sound.

With the next several lessons, Mark will begin to introduce topics that are specific to rock guitar playing. These topics include the 12 bar blues progression and the minor pentatonic scale. In the meantime, continue to practice the exercises presented in the first 9 lessons. Also, feel free to explore the Phase 1 lesson sets taught by other teachers.

Member Comments about this Lesson

Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.