Lesson 1: Playing Open Chords

Exercises:
I have created individual files for each chord that I want you to learn. I want you to spend time with each individual chord and learn how to play the patterns that are unique to each chord. Work with each of the chords until you are comfortable playing them. Don't rush! It's critical that you spend as much time as you need getting comfortable with the patterns for playing each chord.

As you begin keep in mind the following things:
1. Each and every exercise begins with the bass notes for each chord. These base notes are played using your thumb.
2. Your fingers will form the chord position while playing these exercises.
3. Your first finger (index) will pluck the second string and third string- when used.
4. Your second finger (middle finger) will pluck the first string.

You will need to memorize each pattern for each chord so that you can play it in your sleep. This is very important and the key to your success!

The Tablature

Each chord (C, D, E, F, G, A, B7) have a specific bass pattern. All of these bass patterns/strings are played with the thumb.

C Chord

Step 1. Place your fingers on the fretboard and position your fingers in the C chord.

Step 2. With the opposite hand, using your thumb, pluck the 5th string, 4th string, 6th string G note (keep your finger on the G note (3rd fret, 6th string) until it’s time to play the 5th string again), 4th string.

Alternating 1, 2, 3, 4 keeps the timing and rhythm of the song.

Note: B7 chord are played the same way as C chord. You have to alternate the bass by moving one of your fingers to another string/note.

D Chord

Step 1. Place your fingers on the fretboard and position your fingers in the D chord.

Step 2. With the opposite hand, using your thumb, pluck the 4th string, 5th string.

Alternating 1, 2 1, 2 1, 2 etc.

E Chord

Step 1. Place your fingers on the fretboard and position your fingers in the E chord.

Step 2. With the opposite hand, using your thumb, pluck the 6th string, 4th string.

Alternating 1, 2 1, 2 1, 2 etc.

F Chord

Step 1. Place your fingers on the fretboard and position your fingers in the F chord.

Step 2. With the opposite hand, using your thumb, pluck the 6th string, 4th string.

Alternating 1, 2 1, 2 1, 2 etc.

G Chord

Step 1. Place your fingers on the fretboard and position your fingers in the G chord.

Step 2. With the opposite hand, using your thumb, pluck the 6th string, 4th string.

Alternating 1, 2 1, 2 1, 2 etc.

A Chord

Step 1. Place your fingers on the fretboard and position your fingers in the A chord.

Step 2. With the opposite hand, using your thumb, pluck the 5th string, 4th string.

Alternating 1, 2 1, 2 1, 2 etc.

B7 Chord

Step 1. Place your fingers on the fretboard and position your fingers in the B7 chord.

Step 2. With the opposite hand, using your thumb, pluck the 5th string, 4th string, 6th string F# note (keep your finger on the F# note (2nd fret, 6th string) until it’s time to play the 5th string again), 4th string.

Alternating 1, 2, 3, 4 keeps the timing and rhythm of the song.

The pattern for each chord using the bass and treble strings.

+ between two numbers means that you pull/play these strings together.

CHORD STRINGS PULLED TOGETHER STRINGS PLAYED SEPARATELY

C chord. 5, 4, 6G, 4 Then, 5+2 4+1 6G+2 4+1 Then, 5 2 4 1 6G 2 4 1

D chord. 4, 5 Then, 4+2 5+1 Then, 4 2 5 1

E chord. 6, 4 Then, 6+2 5+1 Then, 6 2 5 1

F chord. 6, 4 Then, 6+2 5+1 Then, 6 2 5 1

G chord. 6, 4 Then, 6+2 5+1 Then, 6 2 5 1

A chord. 5, 4 Then, 5+2 4+1 Then, 5 2 4 1

B7 chord. 5, 4, 6F#, 4 Then, 5+2 4+1 6F#+2 4+1 Then, 5 2 4 1 6F# 2 4 1

Play these patterns while changing chords. Take your time, be accurate and do not play fast!

You have to know this very, very well in order for us to move on to your first song. Just remember, there are only two things that you can do when plucking the strings with your fingers. Ether pull them together or play them separately as shown in the excersize above.

The first song is entitled, "Spikedrivers Blues".

How to use my method:

There is only one chord in this song.
The only time you deviate from the G chord in this song is when there is a letter next to a number.
The letter represents the note on the string while playing what is left of the chord.
Single notes in this song are played as 1/8 notes. All others are ¼ notes.
The thumb plays all of the bass strings 6,5 and 4…in this case 6 and 4
A plus sign (+) means that you pull the strings together at the same time 6+ 2D

SPIKEDRIVER’S BLUES key of G
Tablature and Arrangement by Mick Martin
Simple version

G chord 6 4 6 4 2D 6 1E 4 2D 6+1 4 6+1F 4 6+1 4 3Bb 6 2 4 3 6 4+3 6 4 6
1F 4 2D 6+1F 2D 4+1E 2D 4+1E 2D 6 4 6 4 6
1F 4 2D 6+1F 2D 4+1E 2D 4+1E 2D 6 4 6 4 6
1F 4 2D 6+1F 2D 4+1E 2D 4+1E 2D 6 4 6 4 6
1F 4 2D 6+1F 2D 4+1E 2D 4+1E 6+1 back to the begining and don't stop!

*You might want to double space the tablature for easier reading?
This is a very simple version of the song…Enjoy!

The second song is entitled, "Lay My Burden Down".

C: 5+3 3A 4 5+2 4 6G+1 4 5 1 6G 2D 4 2 5 4 1 6G 4 2 5 4 1 6G 2D 4

F: 6+2 4 6 2D 4 3 6+2 4 6+3 4

C: 5+3 4+2 3 6G 1 4 2 5 4 3 6G 3A 4 3 5+2 4 2 +6G 4 2 5 4 1 6G 1G 4 2 6+1G 4

Am: 5+1 4 5

C: 1G sl to 1A back to 1G 5+1 4 6G+2 4

G: 6 4+2D 3 6 2D 4

C: 5+1 4+1 2 6G 1 4 2 5 4

The third song is entitled, "Louis Collins".

G chord: 6+1 4 6 1A 4 2 6+1 4 6+1F 4
C chord: 5+1 4 6G 2D 4+1 5+1G 4 6G 1G 4 2 5+1 4 6G 1 4 2 5+1 1G 4 1 6G 2D 4
F chord: 6+2 4 6 2D 4 3 6+2 4 6+2 2D 4 3
C chord: 5+1 4 6G+2 3 4
G chord: 6 4+2 6 2D 4
C chord: 6+1 4+1 2 6G 1 4 2 5 4+1 2 6G 1 4 2

The forth song is entitled, "Pallet On The Floor".

C7/ 3 5 4+3 6G

F/ 3 6 4+2D 2 6 4 3 6 2D 4 2 6 3 4

C/ 5+3 4+1G 2 6G 1G 4 2 5+1G 2 4 1 6G 2D 4

F/ 3 6 4+2D 2 6 4 3 6 2D 4 2 6 3 4

C/ 3 5 4+1G 2 6G 1G 4 2 5+1G 4+2 4F+2D 4F#+2D#

E/ 6+1 4 3H 6 1 4 2 6+1 2 4 1 6 2D 4

F/ 6+2 4 6+2 2D 4

D7/ 6F#+2 4 6F#+2 2D 4 2

C/ 5+1 4 1G 6G 4

G/ 6 1E 4 2D 6+1E 2D 4

C/ 5+2 4+1 2 6G 1 4 2 5

LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED MORE VIA EMAIL!