The following keys should be learned in the
o rder presented. All diagrams show the neck "standing up".
(Strings are vertical while imaginary frets are shown horizontally.)
The suggested fingering for the scale is to the left of the diagram.
Practice the scale until you can play it continuously and fluently.
Smaller diagrams to the right are the chords
of the key derived from the scale. The technical name for this
group of chords is the diatonic progression . There are
three major chords (1, 4, and 5) and three minor chords (2m, 3m,
and 6m). The suggested fingering for each chord is to the left
of the diagrams. The spelling (root-third-fifth) of each chord
is below the diagram. I recommend you learn the major chords first.
This will allow you to play hundreds of songs right away.
KEY OF C
The key of C has no sharps and no flats. You
will be unable to play a complete C scale unless you change position
with the fourth finger on string 1. (This is not necessary, unless
it drives you crazy by not completing the scale.) Practice ascending
from C to B, then back down. Repeat non-stop until it becomes
fluent. Then practice the lower partial scale, descending from
C to E, then back up. (Observe that the first finger plays the
F-note on the fourth string.) Repeat non-stop until it becomes
fluent.
This course will deal with alternating 1(root)-5(fifth) bass parts.
However, in the long run it is a good idea to learn the complete
chord arpeggio (all 1-3-5's) for variety. Learn the major chords
first, then the minor chords.
The number of possible 1-5 bass parts depends
upon how many roots and fifths are available in each chord. The
C and Dm chords each have one root and two fifths available allowing
you to play two possible 1-5 bass parts. The F and G chords each
have two roots and one fifth available. This also will allow you
to play two possible 1-5 bass parts. The Em and Am chords have
two roots and two fifths available allowing you to play three
possible bass parts. The following is a summary in the key of
C.
COUNTING MEASURES
Most songs have four beats to a measure and
most songs are made up of four-measure pieces. Practice counting
four-measure pieces as follows (recite out loud until fluent):
When the counting is to the point of a "no-brainer"
then play a root-fifth C-chord. While continuing to count play
the root on the first beat and the fifth on the third beat. This
method of counting and playing a single chord must become a "no-brainer"
before you advance to the next phase.
The bass player is the heart of the band. A
steady bass player can keep other players in line so practice
with a metronome to develop steady timing. (Tapping your foot
on beats one and three is also a good idea.)
Here's the next phase!
Progression 1:
Practice the following 16-measure progression continuously while
counting and changing chords every four measures. (Always play
a root on the first beat and a fifth on the third beat.) Memorize
and work out variations.
Progression 2:
Practice the following 8-measure progression while counting and
changing chords every two measures. Memorize and work out variations.
Progression 3:
Practice the following 4-measure progression while counting and
changing chords every measure. Memorize and work out variations.
TWO-CHORD SONGS
The following simple songs can be played using
just the 1- and 5-chords. Play a root on the first beat of the
measure and a fifth on the third beat. Memorize each progression
and use variations.
This 8-measure progression is good for all
of the following songs: MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB, LONDON BRIDGE,
BUFFALO GALS, GO TELL AUNT RHODY, LONG LONG AGO.
SKIP TO MY LOU and HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD
uses this chord progression.
The following progression is good for ACHY
BREAKY HEART, TOM DOOLEY, POLLY WOLLY DOODLE, and TAKE ME BACK
TO TULSA. (This progression is called a "reversal",
the second half is the opposite of the first.)
The following songs are reversals.
The following 4-measure progression is SHORTNIN'
BREAD and FARMER IN THE DELL. Observe that measure 4 is split
in half--two beats on the 5-chord, two beats on the 1-chord. When
this happens play the root of each chord. (From now on small letters
will indicate the bass line only during measures where there may
be confusion)
A song with several "split-measures"
is SHOO FLY.
This website contains lyrics and progressions
for some two-chord songs. Click
here to access the list.
THREE-CHORD SONGS
Hundreds of songs can be played using the 1-,
4- and 5-chords. Examples are:
The following are variations of the 12-bar
(12-measure) blues, a common progression for many early rock and
roll songs. (The last 5-chord in progression 1 is optional.)
Popular 12-bar blues songs are BLUES STAY AWAY
(progression 1), HOUND DOG (2), JOHNNY B. GOODE (1), KANSAS CITY
(3), MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS (2), ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK (1), ROLL
OVER BEETHOVEN (2 & 3)
COUNTING 3-BEAT MEASURES
A song with three beats per measure is called
a waltz . A waltz has a distinct boom-chuck-chuck rhythm
with a heavy accent on the first beat. Practice counting four-measure
pieces as follows (recite it out loud):
After the counting becomes effortless play
a C-chord, alternating between the root and fifth on the first
beat of each measure. This method of counting and playing a single
chord must become a no-brainer before you advance to the next
phase.
And here's the next phase . . .
Progression 1:
Practice this 16-measure progression continuously while counting
and changing chords every four measures.
Progression 2:
Practice this 8-measure progression while counting and changing
chords every two measures.
Progression 3:
When the chord changes after one measure play only the root. Practice
this 4-measure progression while counting and changing chords
every measure.
Here are some familiar songs in 3/4 time.
Measure seven of HAPPY BIRTHDAY contains two
chords. Sustain the 1-chord for two beats (the "slash"
indicates another beat of 1) and play the 5-chord on the third
beat.
This website contains lyrics and progressions
for many three-chord songs. Click
here to access the list.
DIATONIC SONGS
A song written using only chords from
the standard chord formula derived from a major scale (1, 2m,
3m, 4, 5, 6m, 7° or 57) is said to be diatonic . If
a song uses only the three major chords in a key (1, 4, &
5) the changes are fairly easy to hear and anticipate. (At the
very least you have a 50% chance of changing to the right chord
from wherever you are!) Songs become more complicated when minor
chords (2m, 3m, & 6m) are introduced. It is simple to tell
the difference between a major and minor chord when played out
of context (major chords are "happy", minor chords are
"sad".) However, in the context of a key it is sometimes
difficult to tell them apart. This is not negative, rather minor
chords add variety to songs. With experience you will soon learn
to play and discern all of the chord changes within a key.
The following 4-measure progressions utilize
minor chords in typical fashion.
If you learn to hear the changes in this progression
you will be able to interpret hundreds of songs on your own.
Process of Elimination and Frequency of
Use
When you are interpreting (by ear) chord changes involving minor
chords use the following procedure. Try the 6m chord first as
it is used far more often than the other minor chords. If that
doesn't fly try the 2m which is used the second most often. If
neither the 6m or 2m work try the 3m, the least-used minor chord.
If none of them work the song may be using an accidental chord,
one that is outside of the key.
This website contains lyrics and progressions for many diatonic
songs. Click
here to access the list.
KEY OF G
The key of G has one sharp (F#). Play a complete
scale ascending from the low G on string 4 to the high G on string
1 then back down. Repeat non-stop until it becomes fluent. (When
playing all notes in the position observe that strings 4 &
3 are fingered the same as are strings 2 & 1.)
NOTE: Strings 4-3-2 of the G scale form the
SAME FINGERING PATTERN as strings 3-2-1 of the C scale. (The
G scale is the C scale transposed from string 3 to string 4.)
The key of G has four chords in common with
the key of C (G, C, Em, and Am). The two new chords are D and
Bm. As long as you are only playing 1-5 bass parts the D-chord
will be the same as the Dm. However, the Bm-chord will be totally
new. Below is a summary of chords and possible 1-5 bass lines
in the key of G.
(Play all the previous progressions in the
key of G.)
KEY OF D
The key of D has two sharps (F# & C#).
You cannot complete a D scale in this position. Descending from
D will allow you to play all the notes but a low D while ascending
from D will allow you to play all notes but C# and high D. (When
playing all notes in the position observe that strings 3, 2, and
1 are fingered the same.)
NOTE: Strings 4-3-2 of the D scale form the
SAME FINGERING PATTERN as strings 3-2-1 of the G scale. (The
D scale is the G scale transposed from string 1 to string 2.)
The key of D has four chords in common with
the key of G (D, G, Bm, and Em). The two new chords are A and
F#m. As long as you are only playing 1-5 bass parts the A-chord
will be the same as the Am. The F#m-chord will be totally new.
Below is a summary of chords and possible 1-5 bass lines in the
key of D.
(Play all the previous progressions in the
key of D.)
KEY OF A
The key of A has three sharps (F#, C#, &
G#). You can play a complete scale in this position. Use the first
finger to play both the G# and the A on the first string. (When
playing all notes in the position observe that strings 4, 3, and
2 are fingered the same.)
NOTE: Strings 4-3-2 of the A scale form the
SAME FINGERING PATTERN as strings 3-2-1 of the D scale. (The
A scale is the D scale transposed from string 2 to string 3.)
The key of A has four chords in common with
the key of D (A, D, F#m, and Bm). The two new chords are E and
C#m. As long as you are only playing 1-5 bass parts the E-chord
will be the same as Em. The C#m-chord is new. Below is a summary
of chords and possible 1-5 bass lines in the key of A.
(Play all the previous progressions in the
key of A.)
KEY OF E
The key of E has four sharps (F#, C#, G#, &
D#). You can play a complete scale in this position. The fingering
for the E major scale is identical to that of an A scale except
that it will start upon string 4 instead of string 3. Use the
first finger to play both D# and E on the second string. (When
playing all notes in the position observe that strings 4 &
3 are fingered the same as are strings 2 & 1.)
NOTE: Strings 4-3-2 of the E scale form the
SAME FINGERING PATTERN as strings 3-2-1 of the A scale. (The
E scale is the A scale transposed from string 3 to string 4.)
The key of E has four chords in common with
the key of A (E, A, C#m, and F#m). The two new chords are B and
G#m. (As long as you are only playing 1-5 bass parts the B-chord
will be the same as Bm.)
(Play all the previous progressions in the
key of E.)
The Key of B
By now you should know how to practice a key.
(Learn the scale and the new chords then play the progressions.)
For the next two keys I will only show the scale pattern and name
the chords in the diatonic progression.
The key of B has five sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#,
and A#). You can play a complete scale in first position. The
key of B has four chords in common with the key of E (B, E, G#m,
and C#m). The two new chords are F# (F#-A#-C#) and D#m (D#-F#-A#).
NOTE: Strings 4-3-2 of the B scale form the
SAME FINGERING PATTERN as strings 3-2-1 of the E scale. (The
B scale is the E scale transposed from string 2 to string 3.)
The Key of F#
The key of F# has six sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#,
A#, and E#). The complete F# scale will be fingered the same as
the B scale except that it starts upon the fourth string. The
key of F# has four chords in common with the key of B (F#, B,
D#m, and G#m). The two new chords are C# (C#-E#-G#) and A#m (A#-C#-E#).
NOTE: Strings 4-3-2 of the F# scale form the
SAME FINGERING PATTERN as strings 3-2-1 of the B scale. (The
F# scale is the B scale transposed from string 3 to string 4.)
THE CIRCLE OF FIFTHS
Keys should be learned in the order that they
appear on the circle of fifths , the systematical arrangement
of the twelve keys. When approached in this order the fingering
for the scale and chords are transposed to neighboring strings.
(This "scrolling" effect is an important consideration
when learning scales and arpeggios on a stringed instrument.)
A major scale is constructed upon each of the
twelve notes, creating twelve keys. Each key is identical in structure
yet each is unique in the number of sharps or flats it contains.
Starting at the key of C and moving clockwise
by intervals of fifths, a sharp is added to each successive key
until all seven notes are sharp (key of C#). The new sharp in
each key is the seventh note of that particular scale. Once
a note is sharp it continues to be sharp in the remaining sharp-keys. (New sharps are indicated with small letters inside the circle.)
Starting at the key of C and moving counterclockwise
by intervals of fourths, a flat is added to each successive key
until all seven notes are flat (key of Cb). The new flat in each
key is the fourth note of that particular scale. Once a note
is flat it continues to be flat in the remaining flat-keys. (New flats are indicated with small letters inside the circle.)
An overlapping of enharmonic (equivalent)
keys occurs at three points on the circle of fifths (the keys
of C#/Db, F#/Gb, and B /Cb).
It is not important to learn every key. However,
do learn the keys in which you are going to play. Most old-time
music is played in C, G, D, and A. Bluegrass includes the keys
of E, B, F, and Bb.
An in-depth study of the anatomy of a key and
the circle of fifths is the subject of the Keywheel Music Theory
System. Click here for
more information.
Keys with Flats
KEY OF F
The key of F has one flat (Bb). Practice ascending
and descending the scale until fluent. (When playing all notes
in the position observe that strings 4 & 3 are fingered the
same as are strings 2 & 1.)
NOTE: Strings 3-2-1 of the F scale form the
SAME FINGERING PATTERN as strings 4-3-2 of the C scale. (The
F scale is the C scale transposed from string 3 to string 2.)
The key of F has four chords in common with
the key of C (F, C, Dm, and Am). The two new chords are Bb and
Gm. As long as you are only playing 1-5 bass lines Gm will be
the same as the G. Bb will be new. Below is a summary of chords
and possible 1-5 bass lines in the key of F.
(Play all the previous progressions in the
key of F.)
KEY OF Bb
The key of Bb has two flats (Bb & Eb).
Practice ascending and descending the scale until fluent.
NOTE: Strings 3-2-1 of the Bb scale form the
SAME FINGERING PATTERN as strings 4-3-2 of the F scale. (The
Bb scale is the F scale transposed from string 4 to string 3.)
The key of Bb has four chords in common with
the key of F (Bb, F, Gm, and Dm). The two new chords are Eb and
Cm. As long as you are only playing 1-5 bass lines Cm will be
the same as the C. Eb will be new. Below is a summary of chords
and possible 1-5 bass lines in the key of F.
(Play all the previous progressions in the
key of Bb.)
KEY OF Eb
The key of Eb has three flats (Bb, Eb, and
Ab). You can play a complete scale in first position. The key
of Eb has four chords in common with the key of Bb (Eb, Bb, Cm,
and Gm). The two new chords are Ab (Ab-C-Eb) and Fm (F-Ab-C).
NOTE: Strings 3-2-1 of the Eb scale form the
SAME FINGERING PATTERN as strings 4-3-2 of the Bb scale. (The
Eb scale is the Bb scale transposed from string 3 to string 2.)
KEY OF Ab
The key of Ab has four flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, and
Db). It has four chords in common with the key of Eb (Ab, Eb,
Fm, and Cm). The two new chords are Db (Db-F-Ab) and Bbm (Bb-Db-F).
NOTE: Strings 3-2-1 of the Ab scale form the
SAME FINGERING PATTERN as strings 4-3-2 of the Eb scale. (The
Ab scale is the Eb scale transposed from string 2 to string 1.)
KEY OF Db
The key of Db has five flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db,
and Gb). It has four chords in common with the key of Ab (Db,
Ab, Bbm, and Fm). The two new chords are Gb (Gb-Bb-Db) and Ebm
(Eb-Gb-Bb).
NOTE: Strings 3-2-1 of the Db scale form the
SAME FINGERING PATTERN as strings 4-3-2 of the Ab scale. (The
Db scale is the Ab scale transposed from string 4 to string 3.)
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