Thursday, November 20, 2014

Chord "Deux" Jour Challenge: Emaj7 and G#m7

The Chord "Deux" Jour Challenge means learning or expanding upon two chords per day for 49 days (USA Thanksgiving off). Check out the full list here.

Each chord map attempts to appeal to both beginners and intermediate/advanced guitarists and keyboardists. Simple chord shapes for beginners are provided with the following finger system:

1 index finger
2 middle finger
3 ring finger
4 little finger
o play open string
x do not play open string
( bar one finger over more than one string
T that rare occasion that I recommend you use your thumb to fret a note

The first chord is E (major) major 7th, or Emaj7:


Guitarists, yes, you can form the Emaj7 chord around the 1st and 2nd frets, and that would be the easiest way to do so. What I'm showing you above is a moveable maj7 shape (remember Amaj7?), with your index finger barred behind the 7th fret. Furthermore, I've left the low E as an open string. Now you have a moveable shape higher up the fretboard, with the lowest note ringing out at the same time. This particular Emaj7 voicing is a chord of dynamic high/low contrast.

Keyboardists, Emaj7 = E chord + G#m chord. Speaking of G#m ...

The next chord is G-sharp minor (minor) 7th, or G#m7:


Guitarists, take the moveable F#m7 shape up two frets, and you'll be able to play G#m7 as easily as that.

Keyboardists, G#m7 = G#m + B chord. It could also be heard as a B6 chord.

Two more tomorrow. Cheers!

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