Hey Friend,
Today we’ve got exercises! Put on your sweatbands - it’s gonna get steamy!
Okay, maybe not. But you will be putting your index finger to the test.
As I mentioned yesterday, the easiest way to play most 7th chords is in the barre chord forms. The chords laid out here today will demonstrate well.
I wanted to start you with a reference chord, so the first in the exercise is C major barred at the third fret. If you need to take a few minutes and give your fingers a good stretch, go for it. In fact, I’d encourage it!
Get your index finger in a good position across the first five strings (the first string is the thinnest one, or low e). Just hold it there and strum a few bars to get it used to the positioning.
Now lay your ring finger across strings 2, 3 and 4 on the fifth fret.
This is C major and the base we’re working from. This particular barre chord form is what I call a "root 5" chord, meaning that you have a chord root note on the fifth string (A).
It’s also the hardest chord you’ll play today...
The next chord on the agenda to play is a C7 (C dominant 7). I chose this one next because you’re going to see this 7th form the most in your musical travels.
Your index finger stays in position across the five strings. Lift your ring finger up from the C major chord and let it focus on just the fourth string, fifth fret. Take your pinky and place it on the second string, fifth fret. Strum.
Third, we have a C major 7 (CM7) chord. Keep your fingers in the same place as with C7, and add your middle finger to the third string, fourth fret.
Lastly, a C minor 7 (Cm7). Use the CM7 as your base and simply lift you pinky from the second string an move your middle finger from the third string to the second, keeping at the fourth fret.
Play these slowly and focus on getting your fingers in the right places. Don’t worry about how they sound just yet - you want your fingers to know where they’re supposed to be. This is about creating the muscle memory and strength first, and nice sounding chords next.
The tempo is slow enough that you should be able to get your fingers moved around fast enough to play along, but don’t let it rush you. If it’s too fast right now, simply use the PDF to work through at your own pace. Use the MP3 to know what each chord sounds like.
There are some other 7th chord shapes to look at for root 6 barre chords, so we’ll look at those next. Here are today's exercises.
Y’all have a great day, ya hear!
Peace~
Dave
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