Lesson 15

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  Root 6 and root 5 progression

The illustrations below show the A chord and the root 5 major bar chord. 

The chord to the left is the A major chord in the open position. The chord to the right is the Root 5 major bar chord. You can use the fingering pattern above and easily convert it to a root 5 major bar chord.  If played this bar chord at the 3rd fret, it would be the C chord. The note on the A string or 5th string determines the chord.

 

This chord is called the movable root 5 major bar chord. It is determined by the note played on the A string or 5th string. In this example, I am playing the C major chord, which is played with the index finger at the 3rd fret. This chord is also at times referred to as the A type bar chord, this is because the A chord can easily be converted to this bar chord.
The Low E string is not played with this type of chord. Notice how I lay my thumb over the Low E string to mute it so it won't sound. However, if you want you can use the open E string too.

 

 

In this progression, we use the Root 6 bar chord and the Root 5 bar chords. The progression starts with the G bar chord played at the 3rd fret. The root 6 bar chord or E type bar chord is illustrated to the left. Play this chord with your 1 finger at the 3rd fret. This would be the G chord.
More Root 6 Bar chords added, minor and major.

Count slowly and evenly from 1 to 4, playing the indicated chord on the indicated count.

Drum Track

Assignment:

Play this progression until you can play it smoothly and without looking. 
Close your eyes and try to play this progression.
Strum the G chord and play the G major pentatonic scale over the G chord.
You can play the G major scale over this progressions too.
Play the Em pentatonic scale root note fret, 12th fret, 1-4, 1-3, 1-3, 1-3, 1-4, 1-4, over this progression.
Strum the G chord and then play the Em pentatonic scale root note fret and notice how it blends in nice with the G chord.
Strum the C chord and then play the Am pentatonic scale root note fret and notice how it blends in nice with the C chord.
Strum the D chord and then play the Bm pentatonic scale root note fret, 7th fret and notice how it also sounds nice over the D chord.
You can also try to play Gm pentatonic, Cm pentatonic and Dm pentatonic scale. Try everything until you find the sound your after.
Check out the A5, C5 chords and more.
More Root 6 bar major and minor chords added for reference.
Read up on the Key of C major and modes, but pay particular attention to the C Ionian scale.

Good Luck,

From the Jam Room