Guitar Chord Lessons
Chords are three or more tones ringing together. And, two can sound together and be a chord. And, a single tone is ultimately a ringing chord [see Harmonics]. Chords are the 'vertical' dimension of music. Another word for chords is harmony.
Chords can be strummed or arpeggiated [broken into individual tones by picking or fingerpicking each tone separately - the tones that are picked can ring together or not ring together - see Arpeggios].
Grids ◊ aka Charts, Boxes. Kids typically don't like these. And, on our site, we use a horizontal orientation [consistent with tab and notation], rather than vertical. Go
Starter Sets ◊ G-Cadd9-D, a common set, and Dominants. Go
Power Chords ◊ E Shape Go
Chord Numbering ◊ I-IV-V in all keys, explanation, and diatonic triads in all keys. Go
Harmonic Map ◊ A chord palette which works well for songwriting. Example in Roman Numerals and A Major. Go
Progressions ◊ Common progressions in Roman Numerals. Use chords in any key and the harmonic map to realize the sequences. Go
Linear Triad Conversion ◊ How triads convert to different shapes up the board. Sometimes referred to as inversions. We prefer conversions. Go
Jazz Voicings ◊ Main types of 7ths based on E, A, and D chord shapes. Go
Puzzles ◊ We devised these to direct finger traffic. The idea is put to work in full emergence in Strummer. A lot of chords live at this lesson address. Go
Chord Inversion Symbols ◊ This is a reference page for 'Classical' chord numbering in notation. aka figured bass. Go
