Show description

As a refresher, here are those rhythms. Whole Notes (1 Chord in a Bar) Half Notes (2 Chords in a Bar) Quarter Notes Charleston Variations & of 1 and 3 & of 2 and 4 Baião (3+3+2) Go slow with this progression, and feel free to run 6 keys of major then minor ii V I’s back to back to take things further. To cover all 12 keys with minor ii V I chords, you’ll repeat the previous exercise a half-step lower. You run down these keys in tones, covering 6 keys along way. Again, work this progression slowly on your own before adding a metronome.

Remember to work these shapes on your own, with a metronome, and with different rhythms to maximize your practice time. Taking Major ii V I Chords Further To take these shapes to the next level, raise the root notes up an octave for each chord shape. Here’s how that looks with the first position major ii V I chords. After you can play these shapes in C, take them to other keys and use different rhythms to jam these chords. If you feel ready for a further challenge, remove the root from each shape as you practice rootless ii V I chords in this position.

Doing so gives you a new sound from the same notes, and allows you to play 4 dim7 shapes from two shell chords. Play each one in C#, then take it to other keys are you get used to these shapes on the guitar. Audio Example 33 The final step is to take the root notes out entirely, leaving you with a rootless version of C#dim7. In order to play these chords, visualize, but don’t fret, the root note for each chord. Audio Example 34 ii V I Shell Chords Major With the various shell chords and rhythms under your fingers, you’re ready to take those shapes to the next level.