Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 33

Thread: Mando chord cheat sheet

  1. #1
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Lost Almost, New Mexico
    Posts
    71

    Default

    All -

    I have posted on my little mando web site (http://mando.tauxe.net) a new resource that I hope some will find useful. I have at long last completed the drafting up of my collection of mando chord diagrams as a PDF.

    Please let me know what you think of it, or if you find errors or whatnot. I'm still proofing the chords.

    Eventually (next project) I will be converting each of these chords to a little vector graphics image (.wmf or .svg) for use in sheet music. This will be very handy, for me at least, in drawing up my collection of arrangements for various songs. I'll post about that later.

    But for now, please take a gander at the mando_chords.pdf and give me feedback!

    Happy Pickin'!
    Come to my evolving web page, where I hope to add more mandolin chord arrangements as I get them finished:
    https://mando.tauxe.net

  2. The Following 11 Users Say Thank You to jtauxe For This Useful Post:

    + Show/Hide list of the thanked


  3. #2
    I may be old but I'm ugly billhay4's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Lakebay, Wa
    Posts
    4,162

    Default

    Took a look this AM. This is very helpful and I printed it out to put in my sheet music book.
    As for proofing, I'll do that as I use it, but I'm a musical semi-literate, so I won't be much help.
    Thanks,
    Bill
    IM(NS)HO

  4. #3
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Wakefield Quebec Canada
    Posts
    46

    Default

    Thanks for your effort in doing this. I've printed it out and it will be handy to pack in the case.

  5. #4
    Registered User Rod Freeland's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Berkeley, CA
    Posts
    66

    Default

    Hmm ... Would it, I wonder, be useful to do a color-coded version? #Instead of simple black dots showng the fretted positions, distinctive colors could indicate structural elements of the chord: the root, the third, the fifth, etc. #Whadaya think?

  6. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Rod Freeland For This Useful Post:


  7. #5
    Eric Hansen
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Glendale CA
    Posts
    586

    Default

    I've always enjoyed a chord chart that will indicate the note (A Eb etc) and where it lives in the chord (3rd b7th etc)
    Eric H

    Aloha a hui hou
    mandolin no ka 'oi

  8. #6
    Registered User Steve Cantrell's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    SC
    Posts
    1,125

    Default

    Great chart! I appreciate you sharing it.
    Steven E. Cantrell
    Campanella A

  9. #7
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Rahway, New Jersey
    Posts
    24

    Default

    great chart !! #as an architect & having a large format printer, I enlarged it to a 24" X 36" poster size sheet & hung it on the wall. my eyesight isn't what it used to be. thanks for the chart.

  10. #8
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    87

    Default

    wow thanks!!!!!!!!! i just paid 10 bucks for a chart that isn't nearly as thorough!

    thanks again
    zoe:p

  11. #9
    Registered User Dave Schimming's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    322

    Default

    Nice chart, I've added it to my song notebook. Thanks.
    Dave

  12. #10
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Lost Almost, New Mexico
    Posts
    71

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by (RodF @ Feb. 09 2007, 16:03)
    Hmm ... Would it, I wonder, be useful to do a color-coded version? Instead of simple black dots showng the fretted positions, distinctive colors could indicate structural elements of the chord: the root, the third, the fifth, etc. Whadaya think?
    Wow - now there's an idea! I like it. Maybe I'll do that in a future version.

    One could also add shapes to the dots, or numbers within them, like for fingering (thoughthe fingering is fairly obvious).

    I am glad people are finding this useful.
    Come to my evolving web page, where I hope to add more mandolin chord arrangements as I get them finished:
    https://mando.tauxe.net

  13. #11
    Registered User groveland's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Minnesota
    Posts
    1,535

    Default

    On the other hand! There are a number of color-coded presentations and shape-coded presentations out there, and I would look at some of these first before exerting the effort. #You may find the look is really messy... #Just a thought.

    One other idea - distill the chords down to types and simply mark which note (dot) is the root. #That will enhance searching and general chord knowledge, and reduce size significantly. #Just another thought.




  14. The following members say thank you to groveland for this post:

    Tony S 

  15. #12
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Memphis, TN
    Posts
    276

    Default

    Our an even better idea would be to spring the $30 and buy Mr. Groveland's MandoMode Explorer software which, among many other things, shows you the chord shape and then tells you the names of the notes making up each chord when you pass the mouse over the position marker. Ridiculously useful software for a ridiculously good price.

    http://www.grovelandsoftwarelabs.com/modeexp....er.aspx

  16. #13
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    NYC
    Posts
    12

    Default

    Hi John
    thanks for the chord page, I am sure it will be well used by all who download the file. you look great holding your new mando, give them a strum for me
    A trip of 1,000 miles starts with 1 step.

    Fullerton Hammonton
    Alvarez MD90
    Blueridge 163

  17. #14

    Thumbs up Re: Mando chord cheat sheet

    Quote Originally Posted by jtauxe View Post
    Wow - now there's an idea! I like it. Maybe I'll do that in a future version.

    One could also add shapes to the dots, or numbers within them, like for fingering (thoughthe fingering is fairly obvious).

    I am glad people are finding this useful.
    Thanks! I downloaded the chord sheet.

  18. #15
    Registered User Mando Mort's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2017
    Location
    Estero, FL
    Posts
    281

    Default Re: Mando chord cheat sheet

    Nice chart. Thank you for that. My only comment would be to group variations of the same chords beside each other so you don't have to look around to find all of the ways to play an "A" for example.
    "All of us contain Music & Truth, but most of us can't get it out." - Mark Twain

    Eastman MD615SB
    Martin D35
    Gibson SG

  19. #16
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Chicagoland
    Posts
    720

    Default Re: Mando chord cheat sheet

    Quote Originally Posted by groveland View Post
    On the other hand! There are a number of color-coded presentations and shape-coded presentations out there, and I would look at some of these first before exerting the effort. #You may find the look is really messy... #Just a thought.

    t.
    I've seen a chart like that & yes there is some sensory overload.

    What I do, when I make up my own chord charts, is write the role of each note in the chord under the chord block.

    For example, I'll draw a block showing the basic 2-0-0-1 D minor chord & under that write
    "5-R-5-m3".

    That way the elements are identifiable when you want to look them up but the chord diagram stays simple.

  20. The following members say thank you to jesserules for this post:


  21. #17

    Default Re: Mando chord cheat sheet

    Fine chord chart.
    Agree I, IV, V colors would be sort of confusing and more key centric than chord centric.
    That's not to say another chart for this could be an aid.
    Sorry, I don't know what a "+" chord is.
    But a C+, E+, & Ab+ are the same fingering?

  22. #18
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Austin, Texas
    Posts
    611

    Default Re: Mando chord cheat sheet

    Sorry, I don't know what a "+" chord is.
    It is an augmented chord, or a major triad with a raised fifth. C+ would be C E G#.
    Bobby Bill

  23. #19
    Registered User Kevin Stueve's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    475

    Default Re: Mando chord cheat sheet

    Quote Originally Posted by farmerjones View Post
    Fine chord chart.
    Agree I, IV, V colors would be sort of confusing and more key centric than chord centric.
    That's not to say another chart for this could be an aid.
    Sorry, I don't know what a "+" chord is.
    But a C+, E+, & Ab+ are the same fingering?
    augmented chords are symmetric . just like dim7 chords
    2012 Weber Bitterroot F5.

  24. The following members say thank you to Kevin Stueve for this post:


  25. #20

    Default Re: Mando chord cheat sheet

    Holy resurrected thread batman! 11 years! Since the OP hasn't been on the forum since '15, I wouldn't expect any more chart updates.

    Anyway, I did check out the chart and it looked OK to me for as a one-sheet reference but I'm not sure how useful it would be in the field. Those are some pretty tiny diagrams.

    I've looked at a lot of books and online resources since learning as many chords as possible is a perpetual goal, and my favorite chart book so far in the "The Encyclopedia of Mandolin Chords", originally by Amsco Publishing but now distributed under Hal Leonard. It covers almost every request above (except for colors) plus more:

    1. Chord name in a reasonably intuitive order (not a fan of them putting 7 chords near the end of each group)
    2. Standard notation staff representation
    3. Clear & large diagrams in multiple voicings
    4. Recommended chord fingering
    5. Frets marked with Roman numerals
    6. Note name below each string
    7. Note role below each name

    So, does your progression call for F#6/9? Take your choice:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	0619181053.jpg 
Views:	317 
Size:	222.1 KB 
ID:	168729

    It is a pretty hefty book so it's not something you can just toss in your case and go, but as a home reference it's fantastic.

    Edit: There is a Mel Bay book of nearly the same name but here's the book I'm referencing: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the...orp/1123596855

    I didn't see it on Amazon but it's also on ebay, abebooks, etc.

    C.
    Last edited by Chris Daniels; Jun-19-2018 at 10:28am.
    Northfield F5S Amber #347 - 'Squeeze'
    Mann EM-5 Hollow Body - Gimme Moore
    Kentucky KM-270 - Not just for whisky
    Flatiron 1N Pancake - Not just for breakfast
    Epiphone Mandobird IV - Djangly
    Cozart 8-string e-mando - El Ch(e)apo
    Lanikai LB6-S Banjolele (tuned GDAE) - Plinky and the Brane

  26. The following members say thank you to Chris Daniels for this post:


  27. #21

    Default Re: Mando chord cheat sheet

    Quote Originally Posted by bobby bill View Post
    It is an augmented chord, or a major triad with a raised fifth. C+ would be C E G#.
    I use it as a passing chord from C to A, and never knew. Thanks Gents

  28. #22
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    South of Cleburne, North of Hillsboro, Texas
    Posts
    5,089

    Default Re: Mando chord cheat sheet

    Quote Originally Posted by Chris Daniels View Post
    I've looked at a lot of books and online resources since learning as many chords as possible is a perpetual goal, and my favorite chart book so far in the "The Encyclopedia of Mandolin Chords" ...

    1. Chord name in a reasonably intuitive order (not a fan of them putting 7 chords near the end of each group)
    2. Standard notation staff representation
    3. Clear & large diagrams in multiple voicings
    4. Recommended chord fingering
    5. Frets marked with Roman numerals
    6. Note name below each string
    7. Note role below each name
    Wow, Chris, that's a nice resource. I looked for such a chord book for mandolin myself and somehow never saw that one. It has pretty much all the info I wanted! I'll order a copy of that.

    Because I couldn't find any book in the layout I wanted, I began writing a chord book myself, here's a sample:

    Name:  format.jpg
Views: 1953
Size:  237.2 KB
    WWW.THEAMATEURMANDOLINIST.COM
    ----------------------------------
    "Life is short. Play hard." - AlanN

    ----------------------------------
    HEY! The Cafe has Social Groups, check 'em out. I'm in these groups:
    Newbies Social Group | The Song-A-Week Social
    The Woodshed Study Group | Blues Mando
    - Advice For Mandolin Beginners
    - YouTube Stuff

  29. #23
    Registered User mandolin breeze's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    "My Home Is On My Back"
    Posts
    352

    Default Re: Mando chord cheat sheet

    Here's an alternative take on a chord chart like Chris Daniels posted above . . . but without the finger placement. I think that the vast majority of players don't need that for 99% of the chords. So this just simplifies things. Maybe color code the root note, etc.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1.jpg 
Views:	184 
Size:	110.3 KB 
ID:	168824

  30. #24

    Default Re: Mando chord cheat sheet

    I have a different approach to my cheat sheet. It is not as easy to use as the OP's reference to simply find the chord you want, but I think it is more useful for learning how to make chords and have your "cheat sheet" in your head. The basic idea is that there are 6 chord shape families that fall into a range that is practical to grip. I show the dominant 7th chords for each family and then show the formulas to modify each to get whatever chord you want. So, once you learn the six forms, and how the tones are arranged in each, you can just learn the formula for an 11th chord, and then you will know how to make 6 different 11th chords. Of course, being able to use them in your playing will only come with practice.

    I have also made pages for three-note chords based on a major chord (R, 3, 5) and "shell voicings" (R, 3, 7). You could derive them as subsets of the four-note chords--just leave out a note--but I include them for convenience.

    So, it is a reference, but also a learning system, if you want to use it that way.

    Attachment 168928Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Three Page Mandolin Chord Encyclopedia.pdf 
Views:	218 
Size:	117.4 KB 
ID:	168929

    If you notice any errors, please let me know and I will update.
    Object to this post? Find out how to ignore me here!

  31. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to JonZ For This Useful Post:


  32. #25
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    South of Cleburne, North of Hillsboro, Texas
    Posts
    5,089

    Default Re: Mando chord cheat sheet

    That's an interesting concept, JonZ, to focus on learning the fully voiced, four string 7th chord shapes. Good approach.
    WWW.THEAMATEURMANDOLINIST.COM
    ----------------------------------
    "Life is short. Play hard." - AlanN

    ----------------------------------
    HEY! The Cafe has Social Groups, check 'em out. I'm in these groups:
    Newbies Social Group | The Song-A-Week Social
    The Woodshed Study Group | Blues Mando
    - Advice For Mandolin Beginners
    - YouTube Stuff

Similar Threads

  1. Chord cheat sheet - an update
    By jtauxe in forum Theory, Technique, Tips and Tricks
    Replies: 15
    Last: Jul-17-2007, 12:30pm
  2. My efforts at chord/lyric cheat sheets
    By jtauxe in forum Song and Tune Projects
    Replies: 6
    Last: Mar-02-2007, 1:16pm
  3. Mando Chord/Key
    By ironlionzion in forum General Mandolin Discussions
    Replies: 2
    Last: Jul-18-2005, 10:04am
  4. mando tab and chord box sheet
    By R. Kane in forum General Mandolin Discussions
    Replies: 4
    Last: Dec-28-2004, 9:40pm
  5. New Mando Chord Chart
    By johnwalser in forum General Mandolin Discussions
    Replies: 10
    Last: Dec-09-2004, 7:25pm

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •