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Learn Guitar Trick #2 – Chord Duplication System

By Mike Hayes | December 15, 2009

Learning chords on the guitar can be a daunting project, there
always seems more and more chords to learn, the trick is to
understand how chords can be duplicated all over the fretboard.

By understanding how harmony works on the fretboard we take the
first steps to unlocking the fingerboard. Let’s get started.

Chord Duplication System

Concept: By dividing the six strings of the guitar into string
grids, each grid containing three strings we have a system of
finding chords with the exact same notes on a different position
on the fingerboard.

The string grid system:

first, second and third string = grid 1

second, third and fourth string = grid 2

third, fourth and fifth string = grid = 3

fourth, fifth and sixth string = grid 4

Let’s take a look at a D major chord on grid 1

D
–2—
–3—
–2—
–0—
–x—
–x—

The keynote for this D chord shape is on the second string, third
fret, marked [ ].

D
–2—
-[3]–
–2—
–0—
–x—
–x—

This same chord can be duplicated on string grid 2 on the seventh
fret.

D
–x—
–7—
-[7]—
–7—
–x—
–x—

Notice how the keynote for this chord shape is on the third
string.

Let’s move this D chord to the next string grid 3.

D
–x—
–x—
–11–
-[12]-
–12–
–x—

Although it’s not practical on most guitars I’ll move the D
chord over to the last string grid 4.

D
–x—
–x—
–x—
–16–
-[17]-
–17–

This particular D chord does not sound that great because when we
are playing very high up the fretboard on the thick strings the
notes tend to sound tubby.

Before we go any further,  pick up your guitar and try these
shapes out, pay particular attention to the tone of each chord.

By now you can probably understand why guitarists have so much
trouble applying theory on the fretboard.

Think of this for a moment image I was in a sound proof room, you
could see my fingers but you could not hear the sound of my
guitar, if you saw me play ‘D’ chord played on string grid one,
you would not think by looking at my fingers when I move to the
‘D’ chord on string grid two that I was playing the same chord
would you?

Visually our eyes just see the chord shapes; it’s our mind that
intellectually has to grasp the combination of notes under our
fingers.

I invite you to try this chord duplication concept next time you
are practicing the guitar.

And now I’d like to invite you to get free access to my “How To
Remember 1,000 Songs” eCourse. You can download the course for
free at: http://www.guitarcoaching.com

You’ll learn about hit song templates, easy chords,simple scales, red hot rhythms, and successful practice strategies in text, audio and video.

From Mike Hayes – The Guitar Coaching Guy & the Express Guitar
System

Topics: Beginner Guitar Lesson, Country Guitar, Learn And Master Guitar | No Comments »

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