Guitar Chords in All Major Keys

We have a lot of choices on how we play [voice] these chords on the guitar. Over time, each player builds preferences for the way they voice chords. Some chords are easier to finger than others, plus some ring out with certain sound-shapes that we prefer. Also, styles determine the types of voicings we may choose. Experience will show us this.

Print Resource: Triads and Tones in All Keys

The guitar chords in Major keys (triads) are a combination of Major, minor & diminished triads [3 tone chords].

The types of chords are the same for all of Western music & instruments when using our modern naming & tuning system.

There are many many ways to apply this information to the guitar. One is to play chord scales either in a fixed position or a linear sequence, or a mix.

Ideally, after studying guitar for a couple of years, we should be able to play any & every chord in all positions (where they exist).

To Do

Memorize the guitar chords in Major keys - by quality (Major, minor, diminished), the chords are I, IV, V Major, ii, iii, vi minor, viio diminished. Say it fast, think it slow. Know this.

Diatonic means 'within the key' or 'across the tones of a key center'. A chord not in a key (whether, Major, minor, diminished, or augmented type chords) that is not in a particular family (key) of chords is considered nondiatonic. The Blues are a good example of playing in a key, while using nondiatonic chords [save the V chord].

Play fixed position chord scales.

One of the most advanced things we've discovered is that fixed position alphabetical chord scales follow the cycle of forms (CAGED). Ascending, the cycle goes backwards - DEGAC; descending, the cycle goes forward (CAGED). In both cases, a chord form repeats twice in the cycle, depending on which extensions or 'wings' you use. This is detailed in this article.

Play linear chord scales. Pick a chord form (CAGED) & play the qualities (Major, minor, diminished) up the fretboard, linearly.

One way guitar chords can be built - EON

Print Resource: Triads and Tones in All Keys