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Thread: Major Chord Shapes

  1. #1
    Registered User mbruno's Avatar
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    Default Major Chord Shapes

    Hey all, Here's the first in my chord shape series which I previewed a bit ago for some feedback. I've made updates based on what I heard - https://mattcbruno.com/2022/06/20/ch...-major-shapes/

    I'll have another post out each week on Chord Shapes for the next few weeks. Next Monday is minor shapes (6/27), then on 7/4 is Dom7 (or 7th) chords, then 7/11 minor7 chords, then 7/18 Major 7.

    LMK what you think
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  3. #2
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Major Chord Shapes

    Nicely done. Clear, straightforward, good diagrams - easy to understand.

    I would add two variations, perhaps, or here are how I play two of these.

    While I get your C shape, I find that hard to play, especially the root on the G string. I'll play 5230, sometimes, though it lacks the V tone, and also won't barre. What I do most of the time is 0233, which does barre easily, so for D that's 2455. You kind of hint at that in Shape 7. In fact, if you combine Shapes 2 and 7, you've got this. (I use the related 7th chord a lot - for D7, 2435 - even if it doesn't have the root, so file that away for when you get to those chords.)

    Similarly, the D shape is hard (for me) to barre. I love the way the 2002 rings, but I can't bring that up the neck. That's why I use the E shape, Shape 5. BTW, your diagram for this shape is actually an F chord. You might want to shift that down a fret, even though you do say as much in the text.

    All in all, you're off to a great start!
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

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  5. #3
    Registered User mbruno's Avatar
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    Default Re: Major Chord Shapes

    Thanks for the feedback Journey Bear

    For the 0223 chord, I see what you're talking about. I updated the site and added that in as a Full 4 note basically using 2455 and noting that you can play the Open G to get an open C chord.

    Also, for the frets and the E vs F - I basically put everything starting on the "2nd fret" of the diagram just for the sake of ease. That said, these are not supposed to be any specific frets but shapes you can drag and drop to create the chord.

    The D7 you mentioned is in the upcoming 7ths review which is in 2 weeks
    Information on lessons, gigs, and misc musical stuff: www.mattcbruno.com
    Weekly free Mandolin Lessons: www.mattcbruno.com/weekly-posts/
    My gear and recommendations: www.mattcbruno.com/gear-recommendations/
    Cooking fun: www.mattcbruno.com/quarantine-cookbook/


    Mando's in use
    Primary: Newson 2018
    Secondary: Gibson F9 2014
    Primary Electric: Jonathan Mann OSEMdc 5

  6. #4
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Major Chord Shapes

    Yah, I noticed the second-fret configuration consistency, and figured that was the case. It just seems less confusing to me if you show an E chord when you call the form the E shape. You can still emphasize the I and V notes in the chord being played on the second fret. I dunno. Hey, it's your website. It's your call.
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

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