Master the chords around each scale shape
Master The 7th note Chords
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Chords around the scale shapes
Master all chords around each scale shape
These are the final exercises focusing on how to play all chords around the major scale (Ionian).
Every exercise has a playlist with five videos, one for each scale shape.
In the master course, we combine these exercises with practicing arpeggios at the same time. This speeds up the learning process.
The aim with all master exercises is to tie a spiders net of music theory together for your hands. The clearer the connection is between the chord – roman numeral – pentatonic – mode – arpeggio – chord extension, the better.
The first exercise moves backward, down the scale, like this: I – VII – VI – V – IV -III – II – I.
Play through each shape to a click, pushing the BPM. When you can do it, move on to the cycle of 4th exercise.
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Chords through the cycle of 4th
All chords through the cycle of 4th
This cycle of 4th exercise does not use only perfect 4th intervals. Between chord IV and VII we get a #4.
The full exercise goes like this:
I – IV – VII – III – VI – II – V
Call out the chord numbers as you go along.
For maximum effect, sing each root note.
When you can play this, also try other keys before you move on and play using the cycle of 3rd.
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Chords through the cycle of 3rd
All chords through the cycle of 3rd
Let’s take a look at how to play through all the chords around a major scale shape using the cycle of 3rd.
This movement is very common in songs, for maximum effect; sing the root notes as you play the exercise.
The cycle of 3rd within the scale shape exercise reads:
I – III – V – VII – II – IV – VI
Notice how the third interval is sometimes minor, sometimes major.
The third of each chord tells you where the next chord starts.
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Master chord progression exercise
When you can play this – You know you’re chords
This master exercise combines all previous exercises. For best results, sing along with the numbers in correct pitch.
The full master exercise goes like this:
- I – II – III – IV – V – VI – VII (up the scale)
- I – VII – VI – V – IV – III – II (down the scale)
- I – IV – VII – III – VI – II – V (cycle of 4th)
- I – III – V – VII – II – IV – VI (cycle of 3rd)
Related Pages
Exercises
The master exercises go that extra mile and really hammer home all the concepts. Before you know it, it’ll all link together beautifully.
Building 2nd guitar parts, solo arrangement or even writing – Whatever music you want to create, your fret board knowledge certainly won’t stand in your way!
Go to Master guitar exercises.
Course
Learning how to play guitar is best done through playing and learning from songs.
The advanced songs require you to learn 7th note chords and modal scales. This will be revolutionary for your understanding of the guitar fret board.
Go to Master guitar course.
Songs
Learn how to play famous songs.
Angel Eyes, Dream A Little Dream Of Me, I Wish, Tenderness, and Why Don’t You Do Right?.
Go to Master acoustic songs.
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