Hey Friend,

Hope the weekend is shaping up nicely for you. I 'll keep it quick...

Here's a set of exercises focusing on D major to A major chord changes for you to play with. Feel free to choose different combinations with the chords shown. And as an extra little bonus idea, think about what possible chords to work into the mix to create three or four chord progressions.

Remember, we have seven basic chords within a key (major, minor and diminished). Each chord can be modified to change the sound a little. so you're not limited to just these seven chords in a key. There are also seven (major 7, minor 7, dominant 7, diminished 7, etc.) chords, six chords, suspended chords, "add" chords (as you see in today's exercise in the last system) and augmented chords you could use.

And guess what - you don't have to know these chords to create cool progressions. Just start with what you do know and then make a change with one of your fingers.

Move a note up or down a fret...

Lift a finger off completely and play the open string along with the other two fingered notes...

Skip a string or two and pick individual notes...

You can find interesting, unique combinations just by experimenting. It's your music - do what you want!

I give you the guidance and basic rules, but I also encourage you to break the rules and make some noise.

It ain't all gonna sound great, but you'll be amazed at what you can find if you just give yourself permission to break out of the box and let yourself go musically.

Peace~

Dave