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Other Open String Chords

1,478 bytes added, 01:37, 12 June 2015
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{{Top-Level Crumbs|1}}{{Lesson Crumbs|2}}{{Intermediate Lesson Crumbs|2}} We've already learned all the open position chords diatonic to C Major. Let's learn some common non-diatonic additional open position chords: E, A, and D major. While these individual chords aren't special, the shapes used to voice them in open position are important as we move away from open position.
== PreReqs ==
== E Major ==
{{crumbs|blue|1
|Other Open String Chords#E Major|E Major
|Other Open String Chords#A Major|A Major
|Other Open String Chords#D Major|D Major
}}
 
The '''E major chord''' consists of (E G{{s}} B). It is similar to the Em chord, but the m3 is raised to a M3 (G -> G{{s}}). In open position, this is the open G string moving up to the first fret. If you remember the F major barre chord, this is the exact same shape, except we use the open strings instead of the barred index finger.
{|
'''E ''' o|-|-|-|-|
'''B ''' o|-|-|-|-|
'''G{{sharp}}#''' ||i|-|-|-|
'''E ''' ||-|r|-|-|
'''B ''' ||-|m|-|-|
'''E ''' o|-|-|-|-|
'''B ''' o|-|-|-|-|
'''G{{sharp}}#''' ||i|-|-|-|
'''E ''' ||-|r|-|-|
'''B ''' ||-|m|-|-|
'''G{{sharp}}#''' ||-|-|-|p|
|
'''E ''' o|-|-|-|-|
'''B ''' o|-|-|-|-|
'''G{{sharp}}#''' ||i|-|-|-|
'''E ''' ||-|r|-|-|
'''B ''' ||-|m|-|-|
|}
If you remember the F major barre chord, this G{{s}} is the exact same shape, except we use the open strings instead of the barred index fingernon-diatonic to C Major. The Em E major chord is diatonic to the key keys of C Major consists of (A, E G , and B). We know that the only difference between a major Major; C{{s}}, F, and minor chord is the 3rd. We raise the G a half step to Minor; and A and G{{sharps}}, and we have the E major chordHarmonic Minor{{top}}
== A Major ==
{{crumbs|blue|2
|Other Open String Chords#E Major|E Major
|Other Open String Chords#A Major|A Major
|Other Open String Chords#D Major|D Major
}}
 
The '''A major chord''' consists of (A C{{s}} E). It is similar to the Am chord, but with the m3 raised to a M3 (C -> C{{s}}). In open position, the C is played on the 2nd string, 1st fret. A major uses the 2nd string, 2nd fret instead.
 
{|
! Root Pos. !! Alt !! 1st Inv. !! 2nd Inv.
|}
The Am This is a particularly difficult chord diatonic to finger at first, and the best way to finger it depends from person to person. Some like to use index, middle, and ring for those 2nd fret notes. I find my fingers are slightly too big to do so comfortably; however, my middle, ring, and pinky fit with just enough clearance to sound the key of C Major consists of (the nearby open E and A C E)strings. Some also find it easier to barre those notes with their index or middle finger. We know I find my middle finger works ok for this method, but I have to angle it a bit, so that it takes up less distance from side to side of the only difference between a major and minor chord is fretboard, giving the 3rdhigh E string clearance to sound. We raise But then I'm not using good fretting technique and the chord doesn't sound as good as when I use individual fingers for all 3 notes. C a half step {{s}} is non-diatonic to C#, and we have the Major. The A major chordis diatonic to the keys of A, D, and E Major; B, C{{s}}, and F Minor; and C{{s}} and D Harmonic Minor.
This is a particularly difficult chord to finger at first, and the best way to finger it depends from person to person. Some like to use index, middle, and ring for those 2nd fret notes. I find my fingers are slightly too big to do so comfortably; however, my middle, ring, and pinky fit with just enough clearance to sound the the nearby open E and A strings. Some also find it easier to barre those notes with their index or middle finger. I find my middle finger works ok for this method, but I have to angle it a bit, so that it takes up less distance from side to side of the fretboard, giving the high E string clearance to sound. But then I'm not using good fretting technique and the chord doesn't sound as good as when I use individual fingers for all 3 notes.{{top}}
== D Major ==
{{crumbs|blue|3
|Other Open String Chords#E Major|E Major
|Other Open String Chords#A Major|A Major
|Other Open String Chords#D Major|D Major
}}
 
The '''D major chord''' consists of (D F{{s}} A). It is similar to D minor, but with the m3 raised to M3 (F -> F{{s}}). In open position, this is the 1st string 1st fret F raised to the 2nd fret.
 
{|
! Root Pos. !! 1st Inv. !! 2nd Inv
|}
Again, we sharp the third (F {{s}} is non-> F#) to go from Dm (diatonic to the key of C Major) . The D major chord is diatonic to D major, A, and G Major; B, E, and F{{s}} Minor; and F{{s}} and G Harmonic Minor{{top}}
== Homework ==
* Practice the above open position E major chord shapesshape. * Practice the open position A major chord shape.* Practice the open position D major chord shape.* These chords are all 4ths of each other and sound pretty decent played in a quick progression. Try playing E - A - D, then D - A - E. Really focus on the shapes of the root position chords - we will be using these shapes heavily later on.
== Q & A ==
== Related Lessons ==
* [[C Major Chord]]* [[G Major Chord]]* [[F Major Chord]]* [[E Minor, D Minor, and A Minor Chords]]* [[B Diminished]]* [[7th Chords|Prev: B DiminishedSeventh Chords]]* [[Music Theory - Minor Keys|Next: Music Theory - Minor KeysExtended Chords]] {{top}}{{Intermediate Lesson Crumbs|2}}
[[Category:Guitar]]