Guitar On the Spot II

Expanding the Code

Jesse Hunt
Copyright 2006 On the Spot Publishing
All Rights Reserved
Guitar On the Spot II
Expanding the Code

Jesse Hunt
Copyright 2006 On the Spot Publishing
All Rights Reserved
Introduction
Dear Friend,

In Guitar On the Spot - Using the Code you learned the code that is the foundation of
the guitar. In Guitar On the Spot II - Expanding the Code, youll discover more ways to
use the code and how to use the notes in between the code (the expanded code).

If youve ever tried to play a song and wondered how to play chords like Am7,
Gmaj7, Csus4, FGm9, E/B, or D7G9 it can be pretty frustrating. In Part 1 youll
use the expanded code and follow three steps to play any chord anywhere.

In Part 2 youll make up blues solos by using notes from the expanded code.

Then in Part 3 youll learn how to jazz up your songs and solos by using chord
variations.

When youre ready to take the next step you can get Guitar On the Spot III -
Commanding the Code. In it youll learn how to use six new codes within the
expanded code to set different moods for your songs.

If youre feeling too lazy to pick up your guitar but you still want to make up songs visit
www.guitar-on-the-spot.com and use Jesses Song Making Machine. You just click
on buttons with your mouse to write songs all day just by listening.

If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me at:

guitaronthespot@hotmail.com. Id love to hear from you.

Have fun!

Jesse Hunt

INTRODUCTION 3
 Guitar On the Spot II
Expanding the Code

CONTENTS

Introduction - Note from Jesse 3

PART 1
HOW TO PLAY ANY GUITAR
CHORD ANYWHERE

Chapter 1 - Create a Chord Shape 6

Chapter 2 - Anchor the Chord Shape on the Root Note 18
Chapter 3 - Play the Chord 19
Chapter 4 - You Can Slide Chord Shapes to Different Root Notes 20
Chapter 5 - Create Chord Shapes Using Different Patterns 21
Chapter 6 - Other Ways to Play Chords 25
Chapter 7 - How to Play Chords With Slashes 28
Chapter 8 - Chord Playing Examples 33

PART 2
HOW TO PLAY BLUES LEAD GUITAR

Chapter 9 - Make Up Blues Solos Using a Variation of the Code 45

Chapter 10 - Make Up Blues Solos Using Another Variation 49

PART 3
ADD MORE FLAVOR TO
YOUR SONGS AND SOLOS

Chapter 11 - Create Different Moods for Your Songs by Centering

Around Different Chords 54
Chapter 12 - How to Add More Flavor to Your Songs by Using Chord Variations 63
Chapter 13 - Where the Chord Variations Come From 73

4 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

Part 1

Play Any Chord

Anywhere
CHAPTER
Create a Chord Shape
1
ROOT NOTES AND CHORD SYMBOLS

When you want to play a chord, there are only two

things you need to know:
1. The letter of the chord called the root note
2. The chord symbol

G Maj A m7

Root Chord Root Chord

Note Symbol Note Symbol
The root notes of these chords are G and A. The chord symbol is the
information following the root note and tells you the type of chord. The chord
symbol of the G chord is Maj. The chord symbol of the A chord is m7.

1. The chord symbol determines what the chord looks like (the shape that
your fingers make on the guitar, called the chord shape).
2. The root note determines where the chord is. (what note you anchor that
chord shape on).

To play any chord just follow the 3 steps below. The next page shows you an simplified
example that you can use an overview as you go through the next three chapters.

PLAY ANY GUITAR CHORD ON THE SPOT

1 CREATE
a Chord
2 ANCHOR 3 PLAY
the Chord Chord!
the

Shape! Shape on the

Root Note!

6 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 Quick Start Chord Playing Example
PLAY THE CHORD Am7

1 CREATE
a Chord
Shape!
minor 7th
1 1
1 5
To play the chord Am7, create a 1 H3

chord shape for a m7 chord. Youll 1 H7

3 5
learn how to create a chord shape 1 1
in this chapter minor 7th
chord shape

2 ANCHOR
the Chord
Shape on the
Root Note!
Anchor Note 1 of the Chord Shape
To play the chord Am7,
anchor note 1 of the 5th 7th 9th 12th
Minor 7th chord shape 1E 1
2B 5
on the root note A. 3G H3
4D H7
5A 5
See Chapter 2 to learn 6E F F#
G G#
A
about anchoring chord GH AH

R = 1
shapes.
Am7

3 PLAY
Chord!
the
Play the Chord Am7
Now you can
play the chord 5th 7th 9th 12th 131111
1E 1
Am7. 2B 5

See Chapter 3
3G
4D
5A
H3
H7
5
= 5 fr

to learn about 6E A
playing chords. Am7 Am7

CREATE A CHORD SHAPE 7

 EXAMPLE - PLAY THE CHORD C9

The next 3 chapters take you through a step-by-step

example of how to play the chord C9

CREATE A CHORD SHAPE

1 CREATE a
Chord Shape!

When you create a chord shape, you follow

four steps:

Four Steps to Create a Chord Shape

1 LOOK UP 2 PICK a 3 LOCATE 4 CREATE

the Chord Major Scale and Isolate a Chord Shape
Definition Pattern the Notes in Using at Least
the Chord One of Each
Definition Number

This chapter shows you how to perform each step.

8 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 1. LOOK UP THE CHORD DEFINITION

Four Steps to Create a Chord Shape

1 LOOK UP 2 PICK a 3 LOCATE 4 CREATE

the Chord Major Scale and Isolate a Chord Shape
Definition Pattern the Notes in Using at Least
the Chord One of Each
Definition Number

Look up the chord definition by looking up the symbol of the chord that you want
to play in the Chord Definitions Table on the next page.

For example, if you want to play the chord C9, look up the symbol 9. Each
symbol represents a chord type. The chord type for this symbol is Dominant 9th.
The chord definition is 1, 3, 5, H7, 9.

Example - Play the Chord C9

1 LOOK
UP the
Chord
Definition

Chord Chord
Symbol Type Definition

9 Dominant 9th 1 3 5 H7 9
2

The next page explains what the numbers in the chord definitions mean.

CREATE A CHORD SHAPE 9

 THE CHORD DEFINITIONS TABLE
Symbol Chord Type Chord Definition Example
maj Major 1 3 5 D, D maj
m, mi Minor 1 H3 5 Dm, Dmi
dim, o Diminished 1 H3 H5 Ddim, Do
aug, + Augmented 1 3 #5 Daug, D+
maj7 Major 7th 1 3 5 7 Dmaj7
m7 Minor 7th 1 H3 5 H7 Dm7
7 Dominant 7th 1 3 5 H7 D7
7#5 Dominant 7th Sharp 5 1 3 #5 H7 D7#5
7H5 Dominant 7th Flat 5 1 3 H5 H7 D7H5
m7H5 Minor 7th Flat 5 1 H3 H5 H7 Dm7H5
m/maj7 Minor/Major 7th 1 H3 5 7 Dm/maj7
dim7 Diminished 7th 1 H3 H5 HH7 Ddim7
5 5 (Power Chord) 1 5 D5
add2, 2 Add 2 1 2 3 5 Dadd2, D2
madd2, m2 Minor Add 2 1 2 H3 5 Dmadd2, Dm2
5add2 5 add 2 1 2 5 D5add2
sus4, sus Suspended 4th 1 (3) 4 5 Dsus4, Dsus
7sus4, 7sus Dominant 7th Suspended 4th 1 4 5 H7 D7sus4, D7sus
msus4, msus Minor Suspended 4th 1 H3 4 5 Dmsus4, Dmsus
6 6th 1 3 5 6 D6
m6 Minor 6th 1 H3 5 6 Dm6
6add9 6 add 9 1 3 5 6 9 D6add9
m6add9 Minor 6 add 9 1 H3 5 6 9 Dm6add9
add9 Major add 9 1 3 5 9 Dadd9
madd9 Minor add 9 1 H3 5 9 Dmadd9
maj9 Major 9th 1 3 5 7 9 Dmaj9
m9 Minor 9th 1 H3 5 H7 9 Dm9
9 Dominant 9th 1 3 5 H7 9 D9
7#9 Dominant 7th Sharp 9 1 3 5 H7 #9 D7#9
7H9 Dominant 7th Flat 9 1 3 5 H7 b9 D7H9
m11 Minor 11th 1 H3 5 H7 ( 9 ) 11 Dm11
m11H5 Minor 11th Flat 5 1 H3 H5 H7 ( 9 ) 11 Dm11H5
maj9#11 Major 9th Sharp 11 1 (3) 5 7 ( 9 )#11 Dmaj9#11
9#11 Dominant 9th Sharp 11 1 (3) 5 H7 ( 9 )#11 D9#11
maj13 Major 13th 1 3 5 7 ( 9 )(11) 13 Dmaj13
m13 Minor 13th 1 H3 5 H7 ( 9 )(11) 13 Dm13
13 Dominant 13th 1 (3) 5 H7 ( 9 ) 13 D13

Numbers in parenthesis are optional, for example ( 3 )

Symbol = Chord Type = Chord Definition

10 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 THE MAJOR SCALE

The numbers in each chord definition come from

the numbered notes in the Major scale

The Major Scale

Whole Whole Half Whole Whole Whole Half

Step Step Step Step Step Step Step Whole
Step = 2 frets
Half 1 fret
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 Step =

Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do
Key
Note Repeats

SPECIAL NOTES

You may notice that in the Chord Definitions Table:

a. Some of the chord definitions have numbers with a flat (H) or sharp (#) sign.

b. Some definitions have numbers greater than 7.

See the next page.

CREATE A CHORD SHAPE 11

 THE NOTES IN BETWEEN THE MAJOR SCALE

a. Flat (H) and sharp (#) symbols are used for notes
that are in between the Major scale notes
Flat (H) means down a note and sharp (#) means up a note. So H5 means down a
note from note 5. That same note could also be called #4, up a note from note 4.

The Major Scale With In Between Notes

1 H2 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 #5 6 H7 7 1

The Expanded Code

For example the chord definition of a Dominant 9th chord is 1, 3, 5, H7, 9. The H7 note
is in between notes 6 and 7.

NOTE NUMBERS GREATER THAN 7

b. Note numbers that are greater than 7 are in the
next octave of the Major scale
Notice in the diagram below that note 9 = note 2, note 11 = note 4, note 13 = note 6.

Two Octaves of the Major Scale

1 H2 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 #5 6 H7 7 8 H9 9 #9 10 11 #11 12 #12 13 H13 14 1

( 1 H2 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 H6 6 H7 7 1 )

For example the chord definition of a Dominant 9th chord is 1, 3, 5, H7, 9. The 9 is
actually note 2. Its just higher up in the scale.
 2. PICK A MAJOR SCALE PATTERN

Four Steps to Create a Chord Shape

1 LOOK UP 2 PICK a 3 LOCATE 4 CREATE

the Chord Major Scale and Isolate a Chord Shape
Definition Pattern the Notes in Using at Least
the Chord One of Each
Definition Number

Pick a Major scale pattern. Remember the five Major scale patterns (see next
page) you learned in Guitar On the Spot - Understanding the Code ? You pick
any one of those patterns and then use it to create a chord shape.

When you create chord shapes

for chord definitions with flat (H) Pattern 1 Pattern 1
and sharp (#) signs, you need to 7 1 2 7 1 H2 2 H3
look at the Major scale with the 5 6 H5 5 #5 6 H7
flat (H) and sharp (#) in between 2 3 4 2 H3 3 4 H5
notes (the Expanded code). 6 7 1 6 H7 7 1 H2
Here is Pattern 1 without and 3 4 5 3 4 H5 5 #5
7 1 2 7 1 H2 2 H3
with the in between notes:

The next two pages show you all five patterns of the Major scale with and without
the in between notes (the normal and expanded code).

In our continuing example well pick Pattern 1 with the in between notes because
there is a in between note (flat 7 - H7) in the Dominant 9th chord definition.

Example - Create a Chord Shape for C9

1 LOOK 2 PICK
UP the a Major
Chord Scale
Definition Pattern

Chord Chord
Symbol Type Definition Pattern 1
9 Dominant 9th 1 3 5 H7 9 7 1 H2 2 H3
H5 5 #5 6 H7
2
2 H3 3 4 H5
6 H7 7 1 H2
3 4 H5 5 #5
7 1 H2 2 H3
 THE MAJOR SCALE

The Major Scale

7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1
5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2
6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6
3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4
7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

7 1 2
5 6
2 3 4
6 7 1
3 4 5
7 1 2
Pattern 1
2 3 4
6 7 1
3 4 5
7 1 2
5 6
2 3 4
Pattern 2
3 4 5
7 1 2
5 6
2 3 4
6 7 1
3 4 5
Pattern 3
5 6
2 3 4
6 7 1
3 4 5
7 1 2
5 6
Pattern 4
6 7 1
3 4 5
7 1 2
5 6
2 3 4
6 7 1
Pattern 5

14 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

THE MAJOR SCALE WITH IN BETWEEN NOTES

The Major Scale

With In Between Notes
7 1 H2 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 #5 6 H7 7 1
H5 5 #5 6 H7 7 1 H2 2 H3 3 4 H5 5
2 H3 3 4 H5 5 #5 6 H7 7 1 H2 2 H3
6 H7 7 1 H2 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 #5 6 H7
3 4 H5 5 #5 6 H7 7 1 H2 2 H3 3 4
7 1 H2 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 #5 6 H7 7 1

7 1 H2 2 H3
H5 5 #5 6 H7
2 H3 3 4 H5
6 H7 7 1 H2
3 4 H5 5 #5
7 1 H2 2 H3

Pattern 1
H2 2 H3 3 4
#5 6 H7 7 1
3 4 H5 5 #5
7 1 H2 2 H3
H5 5 #5 6 H7
H2 2 H3 3 4
Pattern 2
3 4 H5 5 #5
7 1 H2 2 H3
5 #5 6 H7 7
2 H3 3 4 H5
6 H7 7 1 H2
3 4 H5 5 #5

Pattern 3
H5 5 #5 6 H7
H2 2 H3 3 4
6 H7 7 1 H2
3 4 H5 5 #5
7 1 H2 2 H3
H5 5 #5 6 H7

Pattern 4
#5 6 H7 7 1
H3 3 4 H5 5
7 1 H2 2 H3
H5 5 #5 6 H7
H2 2 H3 3 4
#5 6 H7 7 1
Pattern 5

CREATE A CHORD SHAPE 15

 5. LOCATE AND ISOLATE THE NOTES

Four Steps to Create a Chord Shape

1 LOOK UP 2 PICK a 3 LOCATE 4 CREATE

the Chord Major Scale and Isolate a Chord Shape
Definition Pattern the Notes in Using at Least
the Chord One of Each
Definition Number

Locate and isolate the notes in the chord definition. Because we are playing
the chord C9, we locate and isolate the notes in the definition of a 9th chord:
1, 3, 5, H7, 9. See below.

Remember that note 9 in a chord definition is the same as note 2 in the next
octave. note 9 = note 2. Also remember that note H7 is the note in between
note 6 and note 7 of the Major scale.

Example - Create a Chord Shape for C9

1 LOOK 2 PICK 3 LOCATE

UP the a Major and Isolate
Chord Scale the Notes in
Definition Pattern the Chord
Definition

Chord Chord 9th

Symbol Type Definition Pattern 1 1 3 5 H7 9
2
9 Dominant 9th 1 3 5 H7 9 7 1 H2 2 H3 1 2
H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 H7
2
2 H3 3 4 H5 2 3
6 H7 7 1 H2 H7 1
3 4 H5 5 #5 3 5
7 1 H2 2 H3 1 2
 4. CREATE A CHORD SHAPE

Four Steps to Create a Chord Shape

1 LOOK UP 2 PICK a 3 LOCATE 4 CREATE

the Chord Major Scale and Isolate a Chord Shape
Definition Pattern the Notes in Using at Least
the Chord One of Each
Definition Number

Create a chord shape using at least one of each number. Make sure you can
finger the shape comfortably.

When you create a chord shape its best to have note 1 be the lowest note in the
chord (on the thickest string). Pattern 1 and Pattern 4 are the best patterns to
use to create chord shapes.

In Pattern 1, note 1 is on the lowest (thickest) string, and in Pattern 4, note 1 is

on the second lowest string. Youll use Pattern 4 in a later example.

Example - Create a Chord Shape for C9

1 LOOK 2 PICK 3 LOCATE 4 CREATE

UP the a Major and Isolate a Chord Shape
Chord Scale the Notes in Using at Least
Definition Pattern the Chord One of Each
Definition Number

Chord Chord 9th 9th

Symbol Type Definition Pattern 1 1 3 5 H7 9 1 3 5 H7 9
2 2
9 Dominant 9th 1 3 5 H7 9 7 1 H2 2 H3 1 2 X
H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 H7 4 5
2
2 H3 3 4 H5 2 3 1 2
6 H7 7 1 H2 H7 1 3 H7
3 4 H5 5 #5 3 5 1 3
7 1 H2 2 H3 1 2 2 1

Dominant 9th
CHAPTER
Anchor the Chord Shape
2 on the Root Note
EXAMPLE CONTINUED - PLAY THE CHORD C9

2 ANCHOR
the Chord
Shape on the
Root Note!

Once youve looked up the chord symbol and created a chord shape, just match
up note 1 of the chord shape on the root note of your chord.

This example shows you how to play C9 using the Dominant 9th chord shape that
you created in the previous chapter.

Anchor the Chord Shape on C

Anchor note 1 of Dominant 9th

the chord shape X
4 5
on the root note. 1 2
3 H7
1 3
2 1

To play the
chord C9, 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E
anchor 2B
note 1 of the 3G
4D
Dominant 9th 5A
chord shape 6E F F#
GH G G#
AH A A#
BH B C C#
DH D D#
EH E F F#
GH

on the root R = 1
note C.
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E
2B 5
3G 2
4D H7
5A 3
F# G# A#
6E F GH G AH A BH B C
1
C9

18 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

CHAPTER
Play the Chord
3
EXAMPLE CONTINUED - PLAY THE CHORD C9

3 PLAY the
Chord!
Now you can play the chord and create a chord diagram.

When you create a chord diagram, write the fret number on the right side of
the diagram. Notice C9 is on the 8th fret.

C9
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E 21314X
2B 5
3G
4D
5A
2

3
H7 = 8 fr
6E C

C9 C9

Thats it! Now you can play any chord anywhere. You just create a chord shape
and anchor it on the root note.

The next page shows you a summary of the example we just did.

PLAY THE CHORD 19

 Example 3.1
SUMMARY - PLAY THE CHORD C9
1 LOOK 2 PICK 3 LOCATE 4 CREATE
1 CREATE
a Chord
Shape!
UP the
Chord
a Major
Scale
Pattern
and Isolate
the Notes in
the Chord
a Chord Shape
Using at Least
One of Each
Definition
To play the chord C9 Definition Number
look up the symbol 9.
Chord Chord 9th 9th
Symbol Type Definition Pattern 1 1 3 5 H7 9 1 3 5 H7 9
2 2
9 Dominant 9th 1 3 5 H7 9 7 1 H2 2 H3 1 2 X
H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 H7 4 5
2
2 H3 3 4 H5 2 3 1 2
6 H7 7 1 H2 H7 1 3 H7
3 4 H5 5 #5 3 5 1 3
7 1 H2 2 H3 1 2 2 1

Dominant 9th

2 ANCHOR
the Chord
Shape on the
Anchor Note 1 of the Chord Shape

X
Dominant 9th
4 5
Root Note! 1 2
3 H7
1 3
2 1
Anchor note 1 of
the chord shape
on the root note. 1E
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th

2B
3G
4D
5A
To play the chord 6E F F#
GH G G#
AH A A#
BH B C C#
DH D D#
EH E F F#
GH

C9, anchor R = 1
note 1 of the
Dominant 9th
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
chord shape on the 1E
root note C. 2B 5
3G 2
4D H7
5A 3
F# G# A#
6E F GH G AH A BH B C
1
C9

3
21314X
PLAY the
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E

=
2B 5
Chord! 3G 2
4D H7
8 fr
Now you can play 5A 3
6E C
the chord C9.
C9 C9
20 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE
CHAPTER
You Can Slide Chord Shapes
4 to Different Root Notes
Example 4.1
SLIDE CHORD SHAPES TO DIFFERENT NOTES

1 CREATE a
Chord Shape!
X
4
1 2
5

In this example, youll play the chords G9 and 3 H7

F9. First you create a chord shape. You already 1 3
2 1
created a chord shape for a Dominant 9th in the
previous chapter so well use that one. Dominant 9th

2 ANCHOR
the Chord
Shape on the
Anchor It on Different Notes
Dominant 9th
X
Root Note! 4 5
1 2
In the previous example you 3 H7
1 3
anchored the chord shape on 2 1
C to play C9.

Now you can just slide that 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
chord shape to any note to 1E
2B 5 5 5
play any Dominant 9th chord. 3G 2 2 2
4D H7 H7 H7
5A 3 3 3
For example, slide it to the 6E F F#
G G#
A A#
B C C#
D D#
E F F#

note G to play G9 or to the GH AH BH DH EH GH

G9 C9 F9
note F to play F9.

3 PLAY the
Chord!
Play the Chords
G9 F9
Now that you know one way
21314X 21314X
to play G9 and F9 you can
create chord diagrams for
them.
3 fr 13 fr

Just write the fret number to

the right of each diagram. G9 F9

YOU CAN SLIDE CHORD SHAPES TO DIFFERENT ROOT NOTES 21

CHAPTER
Create Chord Shapes
5 Using Different Patterns
Example 5.1
CREATE A CHORD SHAPE FOR C9 IN PATTERN 4

Use a different pattern of the Major scale to

create a different chord shape

When you create a chord shape its best to have note 1 be the lowest note in the
chord so Pattern 1 and Pattern 4 are the best patterns to create chord shapes. In
Pattern 1, note 1 is on the lowest (thickest) string, and in Pattern 4, note 1 is on
the second lowest string.

Heres a Dominant 9th again, but in Pattern 4.

Create a Chord Shape for C9 in Pattern 4

1 CREATE a
Chord Shape!

Create a chord shape for the chord C9 again but this time
use Pattern 4 of the Major scale.

1 LOOK 2 PICK 3 LOCATE 4 CREATE

UP the a Major and Isolate a Chord Shape
Chord Scale the Notes in Using at Least
Definition Pattern the Chord One of Each
Definition Number

Chord Chord 9th 9th

Symbol Type Definition Pattern 4 1 3 5 H7 9 1 3 5 H7 9
2 2
9 Dominant 9th 1 3 5 H7 9 H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 H7 3 5
H2 2 H3 3 4 2 3 3 2
2
6 H7 7 1 H2 H7 1 3 H7
3 4 H5 5 #5 3 5 1 3
7 1 H2 2 H3 1 2 2 1
H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 H7 X
Dominant 9th

22 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 Example 5.1 - continued
CREATE A CHORD SHAPE FOR C9 IN PATTERN 4

2 ANCHOR the Chord

Shape on the Root Note!

Once youve looked up the chord symbol and created a chord shape just match up
note 1 of the chord shape on the root note of your chord. This example shows you
how to play C9 using the chord shape that you created using Pattern 4.

Anchor the Chord Shape

Dominant 9th
Anchor note 1 of 3 5
the chord shape 3 2
on the root note. 3 H7
1 3
2 1
X

3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th

To play the chord 1E
C9, anchor note 1 2B
3G
of the Dominant 9th 4D
chord shape on the 5A A#
BH
B C C#
DH
D D#
EH
E F F#
GH
G G#
AH
A A#
BH
B
6E
root note C. R = 1

3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th

1E 5
2B 2
3G H7
4D 3
A#
5A BH
B C
6E
Just like you did in 1
C9
the previous chapter
you can slide chord
shapes to different Slide Shape to Play Other Chords
root notes. 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E 5 5 5
2B 2 2 2
Slide the Dominant 3G H7 H7 H7
9th chord shape to 4D
A#
3
C#
3
D# F#
3
G# A#
5A B C D E F G A B
play an E9 and A9 6E
BH DH EH GH AH BH

chord. C9 E9 A9

CREATE CHORD SHAPES USING DIFFERENT PATTERNS 23

 Example 5.1 - continued
CREATE A CHORD SHAPE FOR C9 IN PATTERN 4

3 PLAY the
Chord!

Now you can play the chords and create chord diagrams for them. Just write
the fret number to the right of each diagram.

C9 E9 A9
X21333 X21333 X21333

3 fr 7 fr 12 fr

C9 E9 A9

24 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

CHAPTER
Other Ways to Play Chords
6
Example 6.1
PLAY AN INVERTED C9 CHORD

When note 1 is NOT the lowest note in the chord,

youre playing an inversion of the chord

The example below is a Dominant 9th chord in Pattern 1 again just like the first
example, except this time note 1 is not the lowest note, note 3 is. Note 1 is
now on the highest string.

Create a chord shape for the chord C9 again but this time make it an inversion
where note 1 is not the lowest note. This means you must create a new fingering.

Play an Inverted C9 Chord

1 CREATE a
Chord Shape!

1 LOOK 2 PICK 3 LOCATE 4 CREATE

UP the a Major and Isolate a Chord Shape
Chord Scale the Notes in Using at Least
Definition Pattern the Chord One of Each
Definition Number

Chord Chord 9th 9th

Symbol Type Definition Pattern 1 1 3 5 H7 9 1 3 5 H7 9
2 2
9 Dominant 9th 1 3 5 H7 9 7 1 H2 2 H3 1 2 4 1
H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 H7 3 5
2
2 H3 3 4 H5 2 3 1 2
6 H7 7 1 H2 H7 1 2 H7
3 4 H5 5 #5 3 5 1 3
7 1 H2 2 H3 1 2 X
Dominant 9th

OTHER WAYS TO PLAY CHORDS 25

 Example 6.1 - continued
PLAY AN INVERTED C9 CHORD

2 ANCHOR the Chord

Shape on the Root Note!

Once youve created a chord shape, match up note 1 of the chord shape on
the root note of your chord. This example shows you how to play C9 using
the inverted chord shape that you just created.

Example - Anchor the Chord Shape on C

Dominant 9th
4 1
Anchor note 1 of 3 5
the chord shape 1 2
2 H7
on the root note. 1 3
X

R = 1
To play the chord 3rd 5th 7th 12th
F# G# A# C# D# F#
1E F G A B C D E F
C9, anchor GH AH BH DH EH GH
2B
note 1 of the 3G
Dominant 9th 4D
5A
chord shape on 6E
the root note C.
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
Notice that note 3 1E F F#
GH
G G#
AH
A A#
Bb B C
is the lowest note 2B 5
3G 2
in this chord shape, 4D H7
called the bass 5A 3
6E
note.
Note 3 is now the lowest note,
called the bass note

In this chord note 3

is the note E. When 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
F# G# A#
1E F G A B C
you write out the GH AH BH
2B 5
name of any inverted 3G 2
chord: write the 4D
A# C# D#
H7
5A B C D E
chord, then a slash 6E
BH DH EH

and then the bass Note 3 is E

note. This chord is This chord is called: C9/E
C9/E.

26 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 Example 6.1 - continued
PLAY AN INVERTED C9 CHORD

3 PLAY the
Chord!
Now you can play the chord C9/E and create a chord diagram.

When you create a chord diagram write the fret number on the right side of
the diagram.

C9/E
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th X12134
1E C
2B 5
3G
4D
5A
2

E
H7
= 8 fr

6E

C9/E C9/E

The next chapter shows you how to play other inverted chords.

OTHER WAYS TO PLAY CHORDS 27

CHAPTER
How to Play Chords With
7 Slashes
HOW TO PLAY CHORDS WITH SLASHES

Chords with slashes are called inversions

In the previous chapter you learned that an inverted chord is one where note 1 is
NOT the lowest note in the chord. You created the chord C9/E. Now youll learn
how to play other inverted chords (chords with slashes) like:

C/G
Bm/D
The information on the left of the slash is a chord and the information on the
right of the slash is the bass note.

C/G Bm / D

Chord Bass Chord Bass

Note Note

This means play the chord to the left of the slash, but make the note to
the right of the slash the lowest note in the chord. This is called the bass
note of the chord. Usually the bass note in the slash is one of the notes in the
chord, but not always.

These types of chords are called inversions because the root note of the
chord, note 1, is no longer the lowest note in the chord. The chord is kind of
upside down. To play an inversion, just follow 5 steps:

1. Figure out the notes in the chord

2. Find which note number the bass note is
3. Create a chord shape with the bass note
number as the lowest note
4. Anchor the chord shape on the bass note
5. Play the chord
Read on to see examples of how to play C/G and Bm/D.

28 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 Example 7.1
PLAY THE CHORD C/G

1 FIGURE OUT
the Notes in the
Chord

To play the chord C/G, first figure out the notes in the chord C Major by looking
up the chord definition on page 10 and lining up note 1 in the definition on the
note C. Notice that note 3 lines up with E and note 5 lines up with G. So the
notes in the chord C Major are C, E and G.

Figure Out the Notes in the Chord C Major

Major scale with
sharps and flats 1 H2 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 #5 6 H7 7 1

1 LOOK UP the Major Chord

Chord Definition Definition 1 3 5 1 3 5

2 FIGURE OUT Notes in C Major C

C#
DH D
D#
EH E F
F#
GH G G#
AH
A A#
BH
B C
the Notes in the
Chord

2 FIND which
Note Number
the Bass
Find Out Which Note Number G is
G is the
Note is bass note
of the chord

This step is easy. The C/G G is

Note 5
chord we want to play is
C/G. You just learned that Major Chord
Definition
the bass note is the note 1 3 5 1 3 5
on the right side of the
slash. So in this example Notes in
C Major C
C#
DH D
D#
EH E F
F#
GH G G#
A A#
B C
the bass note is G. AH BH

Now just find which note number in the Major chord definition G is. Look at
the diagram above and youll see that G is note 5.

HOW TO PLAY CHORDS WITH SLASHES 29

 Example 7.1 - continued
PLAY THE CHORD C/G

3 CREATE a 1 LOOK 2 PICK

Chord Shape
with the Bass
3 LOCATE
UP the
a Major and Isolate
Chord Scale the Notes in
4 CREATE
a Chord Shape
with the Bass
Definition Pattern the Chord Note Number as
Note Number Definition the Lowest Note
as the Lowest
Note Chord Chord Major Major
Symbol Type Definition Pattern 4 1 3 5 1 3 5

1 3 5

)
maj Major H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 1X 5
H2 2 H3 3 4 3 43 3
6 H7 7 1 b2 1 33 1
The bass note, G, is note 5 so 3 4 H5 5 #5 3 5 23 5
11
create a Major chord shape 7
H5
1
5
H2
#5
2
6
H3
H7
1
5 11
1
5
with note 5 as the lowest note.

(
Inverted Major Chord

4 ANCHOR
the Chord
Shape on the
Anchor Note 5 of the Chord Shape
Inverted Major Chord
)
1X 5
Bass Note 43
33
3
1
23 5
11 1
11 5
(

To play the chord C/G,

anchor note 5 of the 1E
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th

inverted Major chord 2B

3G
shape on the bass 4D
note G. 5A
F# G# A# C# D# F#
6E F GH
G AH
A BH
B C DH
D EH
E F GH

3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th

1E 5
2B 3
3G 1
4D 5
5A 1
F#
6E F GH
G
5 C/G

5
112341
PLAY the 1E 5
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th (1 1 3 3 3 X)
Chord! 2B 3

Now you can play the

chord C/G.
3G
4D
5A C
1
5
= 3 fr

6E G

C/G C/G
30 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE
 Example 7.2
PLAY THE CHORD Bm/D
Chords in the Key of GY

1 FIGURE OUT
the Notes in the
Chord

To play the chord Bm/D, first figure out the notes in the chord B minor by looking
up the chord definition on page 10 and lining up note 1 in the definition on the
note B. Notice that note H3 lines up with D and note 5 lines up with F#/GH. So
the notes in the chord B minor are B, D and F#/GH.

Figure Out the Notes in the Chord B minor

Major scale with
sharps and flats 1 H2 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 #5 6 H7 7 1

1 LOOK UP the minor Chord

Chord Definition Definition 1 H3 5 1 H3 5

2 FIGURE OUT Notes in B minor B C

C#
DH D
D#
EH E F
F#
GH G G#
AH
A A#
BH
B
the Notes in the
Chord

2 FIND which
Note Number
the Bass
Find Out Which Note Number D is
D is the
Note is bass note
of the chord

Bm / D D is
Note H3
The chord we want to
minor Chord
play is Bm/D. You just Definition
learned that the bass 1 H3 5 1 H3 5
note is the note on the
Notes in
right side of the slash. B minor B C
C#
DH D
D#
EH E F
F#
GH G G#
AH
A A#
BH
B
So in this example the
bass note is D.
Now just find which note number in the minor chord definition D is. Look at
the diagram above and youll see that D is note H3.

HOW TO PLAY CHORDS WITH SLASHES 31

 Example 7.2 - continued
PLAY THE CHORD Bm/D
Chords in the Key of GY

3 CREATE a 1 LOOK 2 PICK

Chord Shape
with the Bass
UP the
Chord
a Major
Scale
3 LOCATE
and Isolate
the Notes in
4 CREATE
a Chord Shape
with the Bass
Definition Pattern the Chord Note Number as
Note Number
Definition the Lowest Note
as the Lowest
Note minor minor
Chord Chord
Symbol Type Definition Pattern 4 1 H3 5 1 H3 5

m minor 1 H3 5 H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 X
H2 2 H3 3 4 H3 1 H3
6 H7 7 1 b2 1 3 1
The bass note, D, is note H3 so 3
7
4
1
H5
H2
5
2
#5
H3 1
5
H3
2
4
5
H3
create a minor chord shape H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 X

with note H3 as the lowest note. Inverted minor Chord

4 ANCHOR
the Chord
Shape on the
Anchor Note H3 of the Chord Shape
Inverted minor Chord
X
1 H3
Bass Note 3 1
2 5
4 H3
X

To play the chord Bm/D,

anchor note H3 of the
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E
2B
inverted minor chord
3G
shape on the bass 4D
note D. 5A A#
BH
B C C#
DH
D D#
EH
E F F#
GH
G G#
AH
A A#
BH
B
6E

3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th

1E
2B H3
3G 1
4D 5
A# C#
5A BH
B C DH
D
6
D= H3
Bm/D

5 PLAY the 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th X4231X

1E
Chord!
=
2B H3
3G 1
3 fr
4D 5
Now you can play the 5A D
chord Bm/D. 6
Bm/D
Bm/D
32 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE
CHAPTER
Chord Playing Examples
8
EXAMPLES

This chapter has examples that you can follow

to master playing chords.

PLAY G7 THREE DIFFERENT WAYS

The next three examples show you how to play G7 using three different Major
scale patterns.

G7

131211 X13141 XX1 3 2 4

3 fr 10 fr 5 fr

G7 G7 G7

CHORD PLAYING EXAMPLES 33

 Example 8.1
PLAY G7 USING PATTERN 1

1 CREATE 1 LOOK
a Chord
Shape!
UP the
Chord
2 PICK
a Major
Scale
3 LOCATE
and Isolate
the Notes in
4 CREATE
a Chord Shape
Using at Least
Definition Pattern the Chord One of Each
To play the chord G7 Definition Number
look up the symbol 7.
Chord Chord 7th 7th
Symbol Type Definition Pattern 1 1 3 5 H7 1 3 5 H7

7 Dominant 7th 1 3 5 H7 7 1 H2 2 H3 1 1 1
H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 H7 1 5
2 H3 3 4 H5 3 2 3
6 H7 7 1 H2 H7 1 1 H7
3 4 H5 5 #5 3 5 3 5
7 1 H2 2 H3 1 1 1

Dominant 7th

2 ANCHOR
the Chord
Shape on the
Anchor Note 1 of the Chord Shape
Dominant 7th
1 1
Root Note! 1
2
5
3
1 H7
3 5
Anchor note 1 of 1 1

the chord shape

on the root note. 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E
2B
3G
4D
To play the chord 5A
F# G# A# C# D# F#
6E F G A B C D E F
G7, anchor GH AH BH DH EH GH

note 1 of the
Dominant 7th 5th 7th 9th 12th
chord shape on the 1E 1
2B 5
root note G. 3G 3
4D H7
5A 5
F#
6E F GH
G
G7

3
131211
PLAY the 1E 1
5th 7th 9th 12th

2B 5
Chord!
Now you can play
3G
4D
5A
H7
3

5
= 3 fr

the chord G7 6E G
using Pattern 1. G7
G7
34 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE
 Example 8.2
PLAY G7 USING PATTERN 4

1 CREATE
a Chord
Shape!
1 LOOK
UP the
Chord
2 PICK
a Major
Scale
3 LOCATE
and Isolate
the Notes in
4 CREATE
a Chord Shape
Using at Least
Definition Pattern the Chord One of Each
To play the chord G7 Definition Number
look up the symbol 7.
Chord Chord 7th 7th
Symbol Type Definition Pattern 4 1 3 5 H7 1 3 5 H7

7 Dominant 7th 1 3 5 H7 H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 H7 1 5
H2 2 H3 3 4 3 4 3
6 H7 7 1 H2 H7 1 1 H7
3 4 H5 5 #5 3 5 3 5
7 1 H2 2 H3 1 1 1
H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 H7 X
Dominant 7th

2 ANCHOR
the Chord
Shape on the
Anchor Note 1 of the Chord Shape
Dominant 7th
1 5
Root Note! 4
1 H7
3

3 5
1 1
Anchor note 1 of X
the chord shape
on the root note. 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E
2B
3G
4D
A# C# D# F# G# A#
To play the chord 5A BH
B C DH
D EH
E F GH
G AH
A BH
B
6E
G7, anchor
note 1 of the
Dominant 7th 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E 5
chord shape on the 2B 3
root note G. 3G H7
4D 5
A# C# D# F#
5A BH
B C DH
D EH
E F GH
G
6E

G7

3
X13141
PLAY the 1E
3rd 5th 7th 9th
5
12th

2B 3
Chord!
Now you can play
3G
4D
5A
H7

G
5 = 10 fr

the chord G7 6E
using Pattern 4. G7 G7
CHORD PLAYING EXAMPLES 35
 Example 8.3
PLAY G7 USING PATTERN 2

1 CREATE 1 LOOK
a Chord
Shape!
UP the
Chord
2 PICK
a Major
Scale
3 LOCATE
and Isolate
the Notes in
4 CREATE
a Chord Shape
Using at Least
Definition Pattern the Chord One of Each
To play the chord G7 Definition Number
look up the symbol 7.
Chord Chord 7th 7th
Symbol Type Definition Pattern 2 1 3 5 H7 1 3 5 H7

7 Dominant 7th 1 3 5 H7 H2 2 H3 3 4 3 4 3
#5 6 H7 7 1 H7 1 2 H7
3 4 H5 5 #5 3 5 3 5
7 1 H2 2 H3 1 1 1
H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 H7 X
H2 2 H3 3 4 3 X
Dominant 7th

2 ANCHOR
the Chord
Shape on the
Anchor Note 1 of the Chord Shape
4
Dominant 7th
3
2
Root Note! 3
H7
5
1 1
X
Anchor note 1 of X
the chord shape
on the root note. 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E
2B
3G
D# F# G# A# C# D#
4D EH
E F GH
G AH
A BH
B C DH
D EH
E
5A
To play the chord 6E
G7, anchor
note 1 of the
Dominant 7th 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E 3
chord shape on the 2B H7
root note G. 3G
D# F#
5
4D EH
E F GH
G
5A
6E
G7

3
XX1 3 2 4
PLAY the 1E
3rd 5th
3
7th 9th 12th

2B H7
Chord!
=
3G 5 5 fr
4D G
Now you can play 5A
the chord G7 6E
using Pattern 2. G7 G7
36 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE
 PLAY Bsus4 THREE DIFFERENT WAYS
The next three examples show you how to play Bsus4 using three different
Major scale patterns.

Bsus4

113211 X11341 XX1 3 4 4

9 fr
7 fr 2 fr

Bsus4 Bsus4 Bsus4

CHORD PLAYING EXAMPLES 37

 Example 8.4
PLAY Bsus4 USING PATTERN 1

1 CREATE 1 LOOK
a Chord
Shape!
UP the
Chord
2 PICK
a Major
Scale
3 LOCATE
and Isolate
the Notes in
4 CREATE
a Chord Shape
Using at Least
Definition Pattern the Chord One of Each
To play the chord Bsus4 Definition Number
look up the symbol sus4.
Chord Chord sus4 sus4
Symbol Type Definition Pattern 1 1 (3) 4 5 1 (3) 4 5

sus4 Suspended 4th 1 ( 3 ) 4 5 7 1 H2 2 H3 1 1 1

H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 1 5
2 H3 3 4 H5 3 4 2 3
Notice that note 3 is in 6 H7 7 1 H2 1 3 1
3 4 H5 5 #5 3 4 5 1 4
parenthesis, this means it 7 1 H2 2 H3 1 1 1

is an optional note. Suspended 4th

2 ANCHOR
the Chord
Shape on the
Anchor Note 1 of the Chord Shape
Suspended 4th
1 1
Root Note! 1
2
5
3
3 1
1 4
Anchor note 1 of 1 1

the chord shape

on the root note. 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E
2B
3G
4D
To play the chord 5A
F# G# A# C# D# F#
6E F G A B C D E F
Bsus4, anchor GH AH BH DH EH GH

note 1 of the
suspended 4th 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
chord shape on the 1E 1
2B 5
root note B. 3G 3
4D 1
5A 4
6E F F#
G G#
A A#
B
GH AH BH
Bsus4

3
113211
PLAY the
5th 7th 9th 12th
1E 1

=
2B 5
Chord! 3G 3 7 fr
4D 1
Now you can play 5A 4
the chord Bsus4 6E F F#
Gb G G#
Ab A A#
Bb B
using Pattern 1. Bsus4 Bsus4
38 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE
 Example 8.5
PLAY Bsus4 USING PATTERN 4

1 CREATE
a Chord
Shape!
1 LOOK
UP the
Chord
2 PICK
a Major
Scale
3 LOCATE
and Isolate
the Notes in
4 CREATE
a Chord Shape
Using at Least
Definition Pattern the Chord One of Each
To play the chord Bsus4 Definition Number
look up the symbol sus4.
Chord Chord sus4 sus4
Symbol Type Definition Pattern 4 1 (3) 4 5 1 (3) 4 5

sus4 Suspended 4th 1 ( 3 ) 4 5 H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 1 5

H2 2 H3 3 4 3 4 4 3
6 H7 7 1 H2 1 3 1
Notice that note 3 is in 3 4 H5 5 #5 3 4 5 1 4
7 1 H2 2 H3 1 1 1
parenthesis, this means it H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 X
is an optional note. Suspended 4th

2 ANCHOR
the Chord
Shape on the
Anchor Note 1 of the Chord Shape
Suspended 4th
1 5
4
Root Note! 3
3
1
1 4
1 1
Anchor note 1 of X
the chord shape
on the root note. 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E
2B
3G
4D
A# C# D# F# G# A#
5A B C D E F G A B
To play the chord BH DH EH GH AH BH
6E
Bsus4, anchor
note 1 of the
suspended 4th 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E 5
chord shape on the 2B 3
root note B. 3G 1
4D 4
A#
5A BH
B
6E
Bsus4

3
X11341
PLAY the 1E
2B
5
3

=
Chord! 3G
4D 4
1
2 fr
Now you can play 5A B
6E
the chord Bsus4
using Pattern 4. Bsus4
Bsus4
CHORD PLAYING EXAMPLES 39
 Example 8.6
PLAY Bsus4 USING PATTERN 2

1 CREATE 1 LOOK
a Chord
Shape!
UP the
Chord
2 PICK
a Major
Scale
3 LOCATE
and Isolate
the Notes in
4 CREATE
a Chord Shape
Using at Least
Definition Pattern the Chord One of Each
To play the chord Bsus4 Definition Number
look up the symbol sus4.
Chord Chord sus4 sus4
Symbol Type Definition Pattern 2 1 (3) 4 5 1 (3) 4 5

sus4 Suspended 4th 1 ( 3 ) 4 5 H2 2 H3 3 4 3 4 4 4

#5 6 H7 7 1 1 4 1
3 4 H5 5 #5 3 4 5 3 5
Notice that note 3 is in 7 1 H2 2 H3 1 1 1
X
parenthesis, this means it H5
H2
5
2
#5
H3
6
3
H7
4
5
3 4 X
is an optional note. Suspended 4th

2 ANCHOR
the Chord
Shape on the
Anchor Note 1 of the Chord Shape
Suspended 4th
4 4
Root Note! 4
3 5
1

1 1
X
Anchor note 1 of X
the chord shape
on the root note.
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E
2B
3G
D# F# G# A# C# D#
4D E F G A B C D E
To play the chord 5A
EH GH AH BH DH EH

Bsus4, anchor 6E

note 1 of the
suspended 4th
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
chord shape on the 1E 4
2B 1
root note B. 3G 5
D# F# G# A#
4D EH
E F GH
G AH
A BH
B
5A
6E
Bsus4

3
XX1 3 4 4
PLAY the
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E 4
9 fr
2B 1

=
Chord! 3G 5
Now you can play 4D B
5A
the chord Bsus4 6E
using Pattern 2. Bsus4 Bsus4
40 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE
 Cm11 TWO DIFFERENT WAYS
The next two examples show you how to play Cm11 using two different Major
scale patterns.

Cm11

111114 X11121

8 fr 3 fr

Cm11 Cm11

CHORD PLAYING EXAMPLES 41

 Example 8.7
PLAY Cm11 USING PATTERN 1

1 CREATE 1 LOOK
a Chord
Shape!
UP the
Chord
2 PICK
a Major
Scale
3 LOCATE
and Isolate
the Notes in
4 CREATE
a Chord Shape
Using at Least
Definition Pattern the Chord One of Each
To play the chord Cm11 Definition Number
look up the symbol m11.
m11 m11
Chord Chord
Symbol Type Definition Pattern 1 1 H3 5 H7 ( 9 )11 1 H3 5 H7 ( 9 )11
(2) 4 (2) 4
m11 minor 11th 1 H3 5 H7 ( 9 )11 7 1 H2 2 H3 1 2 H3 4 2
H5 H7 H7 1
(2) 4 2
5
H3
#5
3
6
4 H5 2 H3
5
4 1 H3
5

Notice that note 9 which is 6

3
H7
4
7
H5
1
5
H2
#5
H7
4
1
5
1
1
H7
4
also note 2 is in parenthesis. 7 1 H2 2 H3 1 2 H3 1 1

This means it is an optional note. minor 11th

2 ANCHOR
the Chord
Shape on the
Anchor Note 1 of the Chord Shape
minor 11th
4 2
Root Note! 1
1
5
H3
1 H7
1 4
Anchor note 1 of 1 1

the chord shape

on the root note. 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E
2B
3G
4D
To play the chord 5A
F# G# A# C# D# F#
6E F G A B C D E F
Cm11, anchor GH AH BH DH EH GH

note 1 of the minor

11th chord shape 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
on the root note C. 1E 2
2B 5
3G H3
4D H7
5A 4
6E F F#
G G#
A A#
B C
GH AH BH

Cm11

3
111114
PLAY the 1E
2B
3rd 5th 7th

5
9th
2
12th

=
Chord! 3G H3 8 fr
Now you can play 4D H7
5A 4
the chord Cm11 6E C
using Pattern 1. Cm11 Cm11
42 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE
 Example 8.8
PLAY Cm11 USING PATTERN 4

1 CREATE
a Chord
Shape!
1 LOOK
UP the
Chord
2 PICK
a Major
Scale
3 LOCATE
and Isolate
the Notes in
4 CREATE
a Chord Shape
Using at Least
Definition Pattern the Chord One of Each
To play the chord Cm11 Definition Number
look up the symbol m11.
m11 m11
Chord Chord
Symbol Type Definition Pattern 4 1 H3 5 H7 ( 9 )11 1 H3 5 H7 ( 9 )11
(2) 4 (2) 4
m11 minor 11th 1 H3 5 H7 ( 9 )11 H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 H7 1 5
H2 H3 H3 2 H3
(2) 4 6
2
H7 7
3
1
4
H2 H7
2
1
4
1 H7
Notice that note 9 which is 3 4 H5 5 #5 4 5 1 4
7 1 H2 2 H3 1 2 H3 1 1
also note 2 is in parenthesis. H5 5 #5 6 H7 5 H7 X
This means it is an optional note. minor 11th

2 ANCHOR
the Chord
Shape on the
Anchor Note 1 of the Chord Shape
minor 11th
1 5
2
Root Note! 1 H7
H3

1 4
1 1
X
Anchor note 1 of
the chord shape
on the root note. 1E
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th

2B
3G
4D
A# C# D# F# G# A#
5A B C D E F G A B
To play the chord 6E
BH DH EH GH AH BH

Cm11, anchor
note 1 of the minor
11th chord shape 1E 5
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th

on the root note C. 2B H3

3G H7
4D 4
A#
5A BH
B C
6E
Cm11

3
X11121
PLAY the 1E 5
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th

2B H3
Chord!
Now you can play
the chord Cm11
3G
4D
5A
H7
4
C
= 3 fr

6E
using Pattern 4. Cm11 Cm11
CHORD PLAYING EXAMPLES 43
Part 2

How to Play Blues

Lead Guitar
CHAPTER
Make Up Blues Solos
9 Using a Variation of the
Numbered Code
THE BLUES SCALE

The blues scale is a variation of the Major Scale

You use it to solo over a blues chord progression.

Scales are defined using the notes of the Major scale as reference points.

The Major Scale

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

You use flat (H) and sharp (#) symbols for notes that are not part of the Major scale.
Flat (H) means down a note and sharp (#) means up a note. So H5 means down a
note from note 5. That same note could also be called #4, up a note from note 4.

The Major Scale With In Between Notes

1 H2 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 H6 6 H7 7 1

The blues scale is 1, H3, 4, H5, 5, H7.

The Blues Scale

1 H3 4 H5 5 H7 1

The next page shows you all 5 patterns of the blues scale followed by an example.
Remember that the notes in each pattern overlap.

MAKE UP BLUES SOLOS USING A VARIATION OF THE NUMBERED CODE 45

 THE BLUES SCALE

The Blues Scale

1 H3 4 H5 5 H7 1
H5 5 H7 1 H3 4 H5 5
H3 4 H5 5 H7 1 H3
H7 1 H3 4 H5 5 H7
4 H5 5 H7 1 H3 4 H5
1 H3 4 H5 5 H7 1

1 H3
5 H7
H3 4 H5
H7 1
4 H5 5
1 H3

Pattern 1
H3 4 H5
H7 1
4 H5 5
1 H3
5 H7
H3 4 H5

Pattern 2
4 H5 5
1 H3
5 H7
H3 4 H5
H7 1
4 H5 5
Pattern 3
5 H7
H3 4 H5
H7 1
4 H5 5
1 H3
5 H7

Pattern 4
H7 1
4 H5 5
1 H3
5 H7
H3 4 H5
H7 1
Pattern 5

46 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 Example 9.1
MAKE UP A BLUES SOLO

1 CREATE a Create a blues back-up song in any key. A standard

blues chord progression uses the I IV and V chords of any
Blues Back-up key. Heres one in the key of A using bar chords.
Song in Any
Key! Record this song on a tape or have a friend play it so you
can solo along.

12 Bar Blues Back-Up Song in the Key of A

I
134211

5 fr

A Major

Strumming
Strokes \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \
Beat Count 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

IV I
X12341
( X 1 3 3 3 X) 134211

5 fr 5 fr

D Major A Major

Strumming
Strokes \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \
Beat Count 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

V IV I V
X12341 X12341 X12341
( X 1 3 3 3 X) ( X 1 3 3 3 X) 134211 ( X 1 3 3 3 X)

7 fr 5 fr 5 fr 7 fr

E Major D Major A Major E Major

Strumming
Strokes \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \
Beat Count 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

MAKE UP BLUES SOLOS USING A VARIATION OF THE NUMBERED CODE 47

 Example 9.1 - continued
MAKE UP A BLUES SOLO
Anchor Note 1 on the Root Note
2 ANCHOR a
Scale Pattern
Blues Scale
Pattern 1
1 H3
on the Root 5 H7
H3 4 H5
Note of that H7 1
Key! 4
1
H5 5
H3

Anchor Note 1
on Note A
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E
Anchor note 1 of the 2B
blues scale pattern 3G
4D
on the root note of 5A
that key. 6E F F#
GH
G G#
AH
A A#
BH
B C C#
DH
D D#
EH
E F F#
GH
1

Anchor note 1 on 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th

note A because the 1E 1 H3
2B 5 H7
back-up song is in 3G H3 4 H5
the key of A. 4D H7 1
5A 4 H5 5
6E A H3

Key of A Blues Scale

Pattern 1
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th 15th
1E 5 H7 A H3 4 H5 5 H7
2B H3 4 H5 5 H7 A H3 4 H5
3 G H7 A H3 4 H5 5 H7 A
4D 4 H5 5 H7 A H3 4 H5 5
5A A H3 4 H5 5 H7 A H3
6E 5 H7 A H3 4 H5 5 H7

Key of A Blues Scale

All Patterns

3 MAKE UP
a Solo!
Make Up a Solo
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th 15th
1E 5 H7 A H3 4 H5 5 H7

Make up a solo over your 2B H3 4 H5 H7 5 H3 A 4 H5

3 G H7 A H3 4 H5 5 H7 A
back-up song by playing 4D 4 H5 5 H7 A H3 4 H5 5
any notes in the A Blues 5A A H3 4 H5 5 H7 A H3
6E 5 H7 A H3 4 H5 5 H7
scale. Emphasize the
root note of the chord Key of A Blues Scale
thats currently being All Patterns
played. When Chord I is
being played emphasize note 1; Chord IV, note 4 and Chord V, note 5.

48 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

CHAPTER
Make Up Blues Solos Using
10 Another Variation

MAJOR + BLUES SCALE

You can combine the Major scale and Blues scale

into a combination scale.
You can use it to solo over a blues chord progression. Or use it to solo over a
Major chord progression and give your solo that bluesy sound.

The Major Scale

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

+
The Blues Scale

1 H3 4 H5 5 H7 1

=
Major + Blues Scale

1 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6 H7 7 1

The Major + Blues scale is 1, 2, H3, 3, 4, H5, 5, 6, H7, 7.

MAKE UP BLUES SOLOS USING ANOTHER VARIATION 49

 MAJOR + BLUES SCALE

Major + Blues Scale

7 1 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6 H7 7 1
H5 5 6 H7 7 1 2 H3 3 4 H5 5
2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6 H7 7 1 2 H3 3
6 H7 7 1 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6 H7 7
3 4 H5 5 6 H7 7 1 2 H3 3 4 H5
7 1 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6 H7 7 1

7 1 2 H3
H5 5 6 H7
2 H3 3 4
6 H7 7 1
3 4 H5 5
7 1 2 H3

Pattern 1
2 H3 3 4
6 H7 7 1
3 4 H5 5
7 1 2 H3
H5 5 6 H7
2 H3 3 4
Pattern 2
3 4 H5 5
7 1 2 H3
H5 5 6 H7
2 H3 3 4
6 H7 7 1
3 4 H5 5
Pattern 3
H5 5 6 H7
2 H3 3 4
6 H7 7 1
3 4 H5 5
7 1 2 H3
5 6 H7

Pattern 4
6 H7 7 1
3 4 H5 5
7 1 2 H3
H5 5 6 H7
2 H3 3 4
6 H7 7 1
Pattern 5

50 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 Example 10.1
MAKE UP A BLUES SOLO

1 CREATE a Create a blues back-up song in any key. Heres the

same example from the previous chapter.
Blues Back-up
Song in Any Record this song on a tape or have a friend play it so you
Key! can solo along.

12 Bar Blues Back-Up Song in the Key of A

I
134211

5 fr

A Major

Strumming
Strokes \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \
Beat Count 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

IV I
X12341
( X 1 3 3 3 X) 134211

5 fr 5 fr

D Major A Major

Strumming
Strokes \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \
Beat Count 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

V IV I V
X12341 X12341 X12341
( X 1 3 3 3 X) ( X 1 3 3 3 X) 134211 ( X 1 3 3 3 X)

7 fr 5 fr 5 fr 7 fr

E Major D Major A Major E Major

Strumming
Strokes \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \
Beat Count 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

MAKE UP BLUES SOLOS USING ANOTHER VARIATION 51

 Example 10.1 - continued
MAKE UP A BLUES SOLO
Anchor Note 1 on the Root Note
2 ANCHOR a
Scale Pattern
Major + Blues Scale
Pattern 1
7 1 2 H3

on the Root H5
2
5
H3 3
6
4
H7

Note of that 6 H7 7 1
H5
Key! 3
7
4
1
5
2 H3

Anchor Note 1
on Note A
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
1E
Anchor note 1 of the 2B
3G
Major + Blues scale
4D
pattern on the root 5A
note of that key. 6E F F#
GH
G G#
AH
A A#
BH
B C C#
DH
D D#
EH
E F F#
GH
1

Anchor note 1 on 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th

1E 7 1 2 H3
note A because the 2B H5 5 6 H7
back-up song is in 3G 2 H3 3 4
H7
the key of A. 4D 6 7 1
5A 3 4 H5 5
6E 7 A 2 H3

A Major + Blues Scale

Pattern 1
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th 15th
1E 5 6 H7 7 A 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6 H7 7
2B 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6 H7 7 A 2 H3 3 4 H5
3 G H7 7 A 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6 H7 7 A 2
4D 4 H5 5 6 H7 7 A 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6
5A A 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6 H7 7 A 2 H3 3
6E 5 6 H7 7 A 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6 H7 7

A Major + Blues Scale

All Patterns

3 MAKE UP
a Solo!
1E 5 6
Make Up a Solo
3rd
H7 7 A
5th
2
7th
H3 3
9th
4 H5 5
12th
6
15th
H7 7
Make up a solo over 2B 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6 H7 7 A 2 H3 3 4 H5
your back-up song by 3 G H7 7 A 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6 H7 7 A 2
4D 4 H5 5 6 H7 7 A 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6
playing any notes in the 5A A 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6 H7 7 A 2 H3 3
A Major + Blues scale 6E 5 6 H7 7 A 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6 H7 7
Emphasize the root A Major + Blues Scale
note of the chord thats All Patterns
currently being played.
When Chord I is being played emphasize note 1; Chord IV, note 4 and Chord V, note 5.
52 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE
Part 3

Add More Flavor To

Your Songs And Solos
CHAPTER
Create Different Moods for
11 Your Songs by Centering
Around Different Chords
CENTER AROUND A DIFFERENT CHORD

You can create different moods for your songs

by centering them around the different chords in
any key
For example a song centered around Chord I will have a totally different sound
and mood than a song centered around Chord II.

When I say center, I mean to start and/or end on that chord and generally
emphasize it. It should be the main chord in the song.

The rest of this chapter shows you seven examples, one centered around each
of the seven chords. All of these examples use the chords in the key of G
shown below.

Chords in the Key of G

I IIm IIIm IV V VIm VIIo
210003 X0 2 3 1 0 XXX 3 2 1 X3 2 0 1 0 XX 0 1 3 2 023000 1 3 4 2 XX

G Major A minor B minor C Major D Major E minor F#/GH dim

54 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 CENTER AROUND CHORD I

Heres a chord progression centered

around Chord I

Center Around Chord I

I V IV I

Example 11.1 - I-V-IV-I in the Key of G

I V IV I
210003 XX 0 1 3 2 X3 2 0 1 0 210003

G Major D Major C Major G Major

CREATE DIFFERENT MOODS FOR YOUR SONGS 55

 CENTER AROUND CHORD IIm

Heres a chord progression centered

around Chord IIm

Center Around Chord IIm

IIm VIm V IIm

Example 11.2 - IIm-VIm-V-IIm in the Key of G

IIm VIm V IIm

X0 2 3 1 0 023000 XX 0 1 3 2 X0 2 3 1 0

A minor E minor D Major A minor

56 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 CENTER AROUND CHORD IIIm

Heres a chord progression centered

around Chord IIIm

Center Around Chord IIIm

IIIm IV V IIIm

Example 11.3 - IIIm-IV-V-IIIm in the Key of G

IIIm IV V IIIm
XXX 3 2 1 023000 XX 0 1 3 2 XXX 3 2 1

B minor E minor D Major B minor

CREATE DIFFERENT MOODS FOR YOUR SONGS 57

 CENTER AROUND CHORD IV

Heres a chord progression centered

around Chord IV

Center Around Chord IV

IV V I IV

Example 11.4 - IV-V-I-IV in the Key of G

IV V I IV
X3 2 0 1 0 XX 0 1 3 2 210003 X3 2 0 1 0

C Major D Major G Major C Major

58 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 CENTER AROUND CHORD V

Heres a chord progression centered

around Chord V

Center Around Chord V

V IV I V

Example 11.5 - V-IV-I-V in the Key of G

V IV I V
XX 0 1 3 2 X3 2 0 1 0 210003 XX 0 1 3 2

D Major C Major G Major D Major

CREATE DIFFERENT MOODS FOR YOUR SONGS 59

 CENTER AROUND CHORD VIm

Heres a chord progression centered

around Chord VIm

Center Around Chord VIm

VIm V VIm I

Example 11.6 - VIm-V-VIm-I in the Key of G

VIm V VIm I
023000 XX 0 1 3 2 023000 210003

E minor D Major E minor G Major

60 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 CENTER AROUND CHORD VIIo

Heres a chord progression centered

around Chord VIIo

Center Around Chord VIIo

VIIo IIIm VIm IIm

Example 11.7 - VIIo-IIIm-VIm-IIm in the Key of G

VIIo IIIm VIm IIm

1 3 4 2 XX XXX 3 2 1 023000 X0 2 3 1 0

F#/GH dim B minor E minor A minor

CREATE DIFFERENT MOODS FOR YOUR SONGS 61

 YOU JUST USED THE SEVEN MODES

Each one of the chord progressions in this

chapter is in a different mode
In addition to playing in a certain key, your chord progression is also in a
certain mode depending on which chord you center around.

Chord progressions centered around:

Chord I are in Ionian mode.

Chord IIm are in Dorian mode.
Chord IIIm are in Phrygian mode.
Chord IV are in Lydian mode.
Chord V are in Mixolydian mode.
Chord VIm are in Aeolian mode.
Chord VIIo are in Locrian mode.

You specify modes by writing the note of the mode and then the mode. All of
the examples in this chapter were in the key of G. So the chord progressions
that you just played were in the following modes:

G Ionian - centered around Chord I, G Major

A Dorian - centered around Chord IIm, A minor
B Phrygian - centered around Chord IIIm, B minor
C Lydian - centered around Chord IV, C Major
D Mixolydian - centered around Chord V, D Major
E Aeolian - centered around Chord VIm, E minor
F#/GH Locrian - centered around Chord VIIo, F#/GH diminished

These seven modes all have the same notes and chords in them. The only
difference is which note or chord the song centers around.

The most common modes are the Ionian mode and the Aeolian mode. So
the most common chord progressions center around Chord I or Chord VIm.

Guitar On the Spot III - Commanding the Code covers modes in more
depth and shows you how to change moods in the middle of your songs by
changing modes.

62 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

CHAPTER How to Add More Flavor to
12 Your Songs by Using Chord
Variations
CHORD VARIATIONS

You can add more flavor to your songs by playing

variations of chords
Just by adding or changing a note or two in each chord you can add more flavor
to your songs. Instead of just using plain Major, minor and diminished chords, you
can spice up your songs by using variations of them called 7th and 9th chords.

You experimented with 7th and 9th chords previously and now your going to add
more flavor to your songs by knowing which chord variations to use. Then youll
discover where the chord variations come from in the next chapter.

Each chord in every key can be played as a type of 7th chord shown below.

7th Chords

Chord Chord Type

Chord Imaj7 Major 7th
Chord IIm7 minor 7th
Chord IIIm7 minor 7th
Chord IVmaj7 Major 7th
Chord V7 Dominant 7th
Chord VIm7 minor 7th
Chord VIIm7H5 minor 7th flat 5

The next page shows you two easy ways to play each 7th chord in the key of C.

HOW TO ADD MORE FLAVOR TO YOUR SONGS BY USING CHORD VARIATIONS 63

 7TH CHORDS IN THE KEY OF C

You can make up songs using these two easy ways

to play the chords in the key of C as 7th chords

Key of C - 7th Chords

Two Ways to Play Each Chord

Imaj7 IIm7 IIIm7 IVmaj7 V7 VIm7 VIIm7H5

C Major 7 D minor 7 E minor 7 F Major 7 G Dominant 7 A minor 7 B minor 7H5

143211 131111 020000 143211 131211 131111 1 2 1 1 XX

Key of C

8 fr 10 fr 3 fr 5 fr 7 fr

C Major 7 D minor 7 E minor 7 F Major 7 G Dominant 7 A minor 7 B minor 7H5

X1 3 2 4 1 X1 3 1 2 1 X1 3 1 2 1 X1 3 2 4X X1 2 1 4X X0 2 0 1 0 X1 3 2 4X

3 fr 5 fr 7 fr 8 fr 10 fr

C Major 7 D minor 7 E minor 7 F Major 7 G Dominant 7 A minor 7 B minor 7H5

Heres an example using these 7th chords:

Example 12.1 - Key of C - 7th Chords

Roll

1st Roll 2nd Roll 3rd Roll 4th Roll

Look
Up Each
Chord Imaj7 VIm7 IIm7 V7
in the
X1 3 2 4 1 131111 X1 3 1 2 1 131211
Chart
and
3 fr 5 fr 5 fr 3 fr
Choose
a Version
Play C Major 7 A minor 7 D minor 7 G Dominant 7

64 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 EASY 7TH CHORD SHAPES

Below are the chord shapes I used to create the

chord diagrams on the previous page
These 7th chord shapes are the two most common and easiest to play. You can
use them to play the 7th chords in any key. Just follow the three steps from Chapter
8 in Guitar On the Spot - Understanding the Code. Here they are again:

1. Choose a Chord Shape

2. Anchor the Chord Shape on the Root Note
3. Play the Chord

Major 7 minor 7 Dom 7 m7H5

1 4 3 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 XX

R R R R

X 1 3 2 4 1 X 1 3 1 2 1 X 1 2 1 4 X X 1 3 2 4 X

R R R R

The next page shows you all five ways to play each 7th chord in the key of C. I
used the chords in the first row and the fourth row to create the key of C chord
chart on the previous page. When you want to start playing more advanced 7th
chords you can use the other rows of chords.

HOW TO ADD MORE FLAVOR TO YOUR SONGS BY USING CHORD VARIATIONS 65

 Key of C - 7th Chords
Five Ways To Play Each Chord

Imaj7 IIm7 IIIm7 IVmaj7 V7 VIm7 VIIm7H5

C Major 7 D minor 7 E minor 7 F Major 7 G Dominant 7 A minor 7 B minor 7H5

143211 131111 020000 143211 131211 131111 1 2 1 1XX

8 fr 10 fr 3 fr 5 fr 7 fr
Key of C - 7th Chords

C Major 7 D minor 7 E minor 7 F Major 7 G Dominant 7 A minor 7 B minor 7H5

XX1 4 2 3 XX1 4 2 3
XX1 3 3 3 XX0 2 1 1 (X X 1 3 2 2) XX1 3 3 3 XX1 3 2 4 (X X 1 3 2 2) XX1 2 2 2
10 fr 2 fr 3 fr 5 fr 7 fr 9 fr

C Major 7 D minor 7 E minor 7 F Major 7 G Dominant 7 A minor 7 B minor 7H5

X32000 X213X4 X213X4 X43111 X213X4 X213X4 X23241

5 fr

5 fr 6 fr 10 fr 12 fr

C Major 7 D minor 7 E minor 7 F Major 7 G Dominant 7 A minor 7 B minor 7H5

X13241 X13121 X13121 X1324X X1214X X02010 X1324X

3 fr 5 fr 7 fr 8 fr 10 fr

C Major 7 D minor 7 E minor 7 F Major 7 G Dominant 7 A minor 7 B minor 7H5

431112 21333X 21333X 431112 320001 21333X 2X341X

5 fr 10 fr

7 fr
10 fr 12 fr 5 fr

C Major 7 D minor 7 E minor 7 F Major 7 G Dominant 7 A minor 7 B minor 7H5

66 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 7TH CHORD SHAPES

Here are all five chord shapes for each type of

7th chord
You can use them to play all of the 7th chords in any key. Chapter 17 shows you
how to create these shapes yourself.

Major 7 minor 7 Dom 7 m7H5

1 4 3 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 XX

R R R R

XX 1 4 2 3
XX 1 3 3 3 (X X 1 3 2 2 ) XX 1 3 2 4 XX 1 2 2 2

R R R R

X 4 3 1 1 1 X 2 1 3 X 4 X 2 1 3 X 4 X 2 3 2 4 1

R R R

X 1 3 2 4 1 X 1 3 1 2 1 X 1 2 1 4 X X 1 3 2 4 X

R R R R

4 3 1 1 1 2 2 1 3 3 3 X 4 3 1 1 1 2 2 X 3 4 1 X

R R R

HOW TO ADD MORE FLAVOR TO YOUR SONGS BY USING CHORD VARIATIONS 67

 9TH CHORDS

Now its time to experiment with 9th chords

Just like the 7th chords you can add or a change a note or two of Major, minor and
diminished chords to create 9th chords.

Each chord in every key is played as a type of 9th chord shown below.

9th Chords

Chord Chord Type

Chord Imaj9 Major 9th
Chord IIm9 minor 9th
Chord IIIm7H9 minor 7 flat 9
Chord IVmaj9 Major 9th
Chord V9 Dominant 9th
Chord VIm9 minor 9th
Chord VIIm7H5H9 minor 7 flat 5 flat 9

The next page shows you two easy ways to play each 9th chord in the key of C.

68 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 9TH CHORDS IN THE KEY OF C

You can make up songs using these two easy ways

to play the chords in the key of C as 9th chords

Key of C - 9th Chords

Two Ways to Play Each Chord

Imaj9 IIm9 IIIm7H9 IVmaj9 V9 VIm9 VIIm7H5H9

C Major 9 D minor 9 E minor 7H9 F Major 9 G Dominant 9 A minor 9 B minor 7H5H9

21413X 131114 020001 10302X 21314X 131114 1211X3

Key of C

8 fr 10 fr 5 fr 7 fr
3 fr

C Major 9 D minor 9 E minor 7H9 F Major 9 G Dominant 9 A minor 9 B minor 7H5H9

X21433 X21433
(X 2 1 4 3 X) X21333 X1X324 (X 2 1 4 3 X) X21333 X21333 X12324
7 fr 2 fr

3 fr 5 fr 8 fr 10 fr 12 fr

C Major 9 D minor 9 E minor 7H9 F Major 9 G Dominant 9 A minor 9 B minor 7H5H9

Heres an example using some of these 9th chords and some 7th chords:

Example 12.2 - Key of C - 9th and 7th Chords

Roll

Look 1st Roll 2nd Roll 3rd Roll 4th Roll

Up Each
Chord
in the
Key of C
Imaj9 VIm7 IIm9 V7
7th or 2 1 4 1 3X 131111 X2 1 3 3 3 131211
9th
Chord 8 fr 5 fr 3 fr
Charts 5 fr

Play C Major 9 A minor 7 D minor 9 G Dominant 7

HOW TO ADD MORE FLAVOR TO YOUR SONGS BY USING CHORD VARIATIONS 69

 EASY 9TH CHORD SHAPES

Below are the chord shapes I used to create the

chord diagrams on the previous page
These 9th chord shapes are the two most common and easiest to play. You
can use them to play the 9th chords in any key. Just follow the three steps from
Chapter 8 in Guitar On the Spot - Understanding the Code. Here they are again:

1. Choose a Chord Shape

2. Anchor the Chord Shape on the Root Note
3. Play the Chord

Major 9 minor 9 Dom 9 m7H9 m7H5H9

2 1 4 1 3 X 1 3 1 1 1 4 2 1 3 1 4 X 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 X 3

R R R R

X 2 1 4 3 3
(X 2 1 4 3 X) X 2 1 3 3 3 X 2 1 3 3 3 X 1 X 3 2 4 X 1 2 3 2 4

R R

R R R

The next page shows you all five ways to play each 9th chord in the key of C.
I used the chords in the first row and the fourth row to create the key of C chord
chart on the previous page. When you want to start playing more advanced
9th chords you can use the other rows of chords.

70 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 Key of C - 9th Chords
Five Ways To Play Each Chord

Imaj9 IIm9 IIIm7H9 IVmaj9 V9 VIm9 VIIm7H5H9

C Major 9 D minor 9 E minor 7H9 F Major 9 G Dominant 9 A minor 9 B minor 7H5H9

21413X 131114 020001 10302X 21314X 131114 1211X3

8 fr 10 fr 5 fr 7 fr
3 fr
Key of C - 9th Chords

C Major 9 D minor 9 E minor 7H9 F Major 9 G Dominant 9 A minor 9 B minor 7H5H9

XX2 1 4 3 XX2 1 4 3 XX3 1 4 2 XX2 1 4 3 XX2 1 4 3 XX2 1 4 3 XX3 1 4 2

10 fr 3 fr 5 fr
12 fr 14 fr 7 fr 9 fr

C Major 9 D minor 9 E minor 7H9 F Major 9 G Dominant 9 A minor 9 B minor 7H9

(no H5)
X30000 X3214X X3142X X41111 X3214X X21333 X3142X
5 fr

14 fr
5 fr 7 fr 10 fr 12 fr

C Major 9 D minor 9 E minor 7H9 F Major 9 G Dominant 9 A minor 9 B minor 7H9

(no H5)
X21433 X21433
(X 2 1 4 3 X) X21333 X1X324 (X 2 1 4 3 X) X21333 X21333 X12324
7 fr 2 fr

3 fr 5 fr 8 fr 10 fr 12 fr

C Major 9 D minor 9 E minor 7H9 F Major 9 G Dominant 9 A minor 9 B minor 7H5H9

311112 3 1 4 2XX 21314X 311112 300001 3 1 4 2XX 31412X

5 fr 10 fr

7 fr
10 fr 12 fr 5 fr

C Major 9 D minor 9 E minor 7H9 F Major 9 G Dominant 9 A minor 9 B minor 7H5H9

HOW TO ADD MORE FLAVOR TO YOUR SONGS BY USING CHORD VARIATIONS 71

 9TH CHORD SHAPES

Here are all five chord shapes for each type of

9th chord

You can use them to play all of the 9th chords in any key. The next chapter
shows you how to create these shapes yourself.

Major 9 minor 9 Dom 9 m7H9 m7H5H9

2 1 4 1 3 X 1 3 1 1 1 4 2 1 3 1 4 X 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 X 3

R R R R
R

XX 2 1 4 3 XX 2 1 4 3 XX 2 1 4 3 XX 3 1 4 2 XX 3 1 4 2

R R

R R R

(no H5)
X 4 1 1 1 1 X 3 2 1 4 X X 3 2 1 4 X X 3 1 4 2 X X 3 1 4 2 X

R R R R

(no H5)
X 2 1 4 3 3
(X 2 1 4 3 X) X 2 1 3 3 3 X 2 1 3 3 3 X 1 X 3 2 4 X 1 2 3 2 4

R R

R R R

3 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 4 2 XX 4 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 3 1 4 X 3 1 4 1 2 X

R R R R

72 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

CHAPTER
Where the Chord Variations
13 Come From

THE 7TH CHORD FORMULAS

In this chapter youll discover where the chord

formulas for the 7th and 9th chord variations
come from
Here are the 7th chord formulas again:

7th Chord Formulas

Chord Chord Type Chord Formula

Chord Imaj7 Major 7th 1 3 5 7

Chord IIm7 minor 7th 2 4 6 1

Chord IIIm7 minor 7th 3 5 7 2

Chord IVmaj7 Major 7th 4 6 1 3

Chord V7 Dominant 7th 5 7 2 4

Chord VIm7 minor 7th 6 1 3 5

Chord VIIm7H5 minor 7th flat 5 7 2 4 6

WHERE THE CHORD VARIATIONS COME FROM 73

 CREATING THE 7TH CHORD FORMULAS

The chord formulas come from the Major scale

Major Scale

Whole Whole Half Whole Whole Whole Half

Step Step Step Step Step Step Step

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

If you stop to examine the chord formulas you may notice a simple pattern.

To create them you just skip every other number in the Major scale, just like you
did in Chapter 13 of Guitar On the Spot - Understanding the Code. When you create
chords like this from the Major scale, its called harmonizing the Major scale.

Creating the Chord Formula for Chord Imaj7

So the numbered notes in Chord Imaj7 are 1, 3, 5, and 7. You skip 2, 4 and 6.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

1 3 5 7

74 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 CREATING THE 7TH CHORD FORMULAS

Creating the Chord Formula for Chord IIm7

The numbered notes in Chord IIm7 are 2, 4, 6 and 1. You skip 3, 5 and 7.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3

2 4 6 1

Creating the Chord Formula for Chord IIIm7

The numbered notes in Chord IIIm7 are 3, 5, 7 and 2. You skip 4, 6 and 1.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3

3 5 7 2

Creating the Chord Formula for Chord IVmaj7

The numbered notes in Chord IVmaj7 are 4, 6, 1 and 3. You skip 5, 7 and 2.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3

4 6 1 3

WHERE THE CHORD VARIATIONS COME FROM 75

 CREATING THE 7TH CHORD FORMULAS

You use the same leap frog pattern to figure out

the numbered notes in the rest of the 7th chords
The table below shows you all of the 7th chord formulas.

The 7th Chord Formulas

Chord
Chord Leap Frog Every Other Number Formula

Chord Imaj7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 3 5 7

Chord IIm7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 4 6 1

Chord IIIm7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 5 7 2

Chord IVmaj7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 6 1 3

Chord V7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 7 2 4

Chord VIm7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 3 5

Chord VIIm7H5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 2 4 6

The secret to creating chords from the Major scale is to skip every other number.
To create the 9th chords you just add one more note. Read on to see what Im
talking about.

76 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 THE 9TH CHORD FORMULAS

Now youll discover where the 9th chord formulas

come from
Here are the 9th chord formulas again:

9th Chord Formulas

Chord Chord Type Chord Formula

Chord Imaj9 Major 9th 1 3 5 7 2

Chord IIm9 minor 9th 2 4 6 1 3

Chord IIIm7H9 minor 7 flat 9 3 5 7 2 4

Chord IVmaj9 Major 9th 4 6 1 3 5

Chord V9 Dominant 9th 5 7 2 4 6

Chord VIm9 minor 9th 6 1 3 5 7

Chord VIIm7H5H9 minor 7 flat 5 flat 9 7 2 4 6 1

They are the same as the 7th chord formulas with one extra note. You just skip
the next note. Here is how you create the chord formula for Chord Imaj9.

Creating the Chord Formula for Chord Imaj9

The numbered notes in Chord Imaj9 are 1, 3, 5, 7 and 2. You skip 2, 4, 6 and 1.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2

1 3 5 7 2

WHERE THE CHORD VARIATIONS COME FROM 77

 CREATING THE 9TH CHORD FORMULAS

Creating the Chord Formula for Chord IIm9

The numbered notes in Chord IIm9 are 2, 4, 6, 1 and 3. You skip 3, 5, 7 and 2.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3

2 4 6 1 3

Creating the Chord Formula for Chord IIIm7H9

The numbered notes in Chord IIIm7H9 are 3, 5, 7, 2 and 4. You skip 4, 6, 1 and 3.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4

3 5 7 2 4

Creating the Chord Formula for Chord IVmaj9

The numbered notes in Chord IVmaj9 are 4, 6, 1, 3 and 5. You skip 5, 7, 2 and 4.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5

4 6 1 3 5

78 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 CREATING THE 9TH CHORD FORMULAS

You use the same leap frog pattern to figure out

the numbered notes in the rest of the 9th chords
The table below shows you all of the 9th chord formulas.

The 9th Chord Formulas

Chord
Chord Leap Frog Every Other Number Formula

Chord Imaj9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 1 3 5 7 2

Chord IIm9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 2 4 6 1 3

Chord IIIm7H9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 3 5 7 2 4

Chord IVmaj9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 4 6 1 3 5

Chord V7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 7 2 4 6

Chord VIm9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6 1 3 5 7

Chord VIIm7H5H9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 7 2 4 6 1

WHERE THE CHORD VARIATIONS COME FROM 79

 WHY EACH CHORD IS A CERTAIN TYPE

Now youll discover why each chord is a certain

type of 7th or 9th chord
When you want to figure out what type of chord youre playing, look at the spacing
between the notes in the chord formula and figure out the chord definition. Then
look up the chord definition in the Chord Definition Table in Chapter 1.

So for example, the chord formula of Chord IVmaj7 is 4, 6, 1, 3. Use that note
spacing to figure out the chord definition. Read the next few pages to see what Im
talking about

CHORDS Imaj7 AND IVmaj7

Chords Imaj7 and IVmaj7 are Major 7th chords

because their note spacing follows the definition
of a Major 7th chord
Notice that all of the notes line up in the figure below.

Chords Imaj7 and IVmaj7

Chord Imaj7
1 3 5 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Chord IVmaj7
4 6 1 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3

same same same

spacing spacing spacing
Major 7th
definition
1 3 5 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

80 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 CHORDS IIm7, IIIm7 AND VIm7

Chords IIm7, IIIm7 and VIm7 are minor 7th chords

because their note spacing follows the definition
of a minor 7th chord

Chords IIm7, IIIm7 and VIm7

Chord IIm7
2 4 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

Chord IIIm7
3 5 7 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2

Chord VIm7
6 1 3 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5

same same same

spacing spacing spacing
minor 7th
definition
1 H3 5 H7 1 2 H3 3 4 5 6 H7 7

CHORD V7

Chord V7 is a Dominant 7th chord because its note

spacing follows the definition of a Dominant 7th chord

Chord V7
Chord V7
5 7 2 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4

same same same

spacing spacing spacing
Dominant 7th
definition
1 3 5 H7 1 2 3 4 5 6 H7 7

WHERE THE CHORD VARIATIONS COME FROM 81

 CHORD VIIm7H5
Chord VIIm7H5 is a minor 7H5 chord because its note
spacing follows the definition of a minor 7H5 chord

Chord VIIm7H5
Chord VIIm7H 5
7 2 4 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6

same same same

spacing spacing spacing
minor 7H 5
definition
1 H3 H3 H7 1 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6 H7 7

82 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 CHORDS Imaj9 AND IVmaj9

Chords Imaj9 and IVmaj9 are Major 9th chords

because their note spacing follows the definition
of a Major 9th chord
Notice that all of the notes line up in the figure below.

Chords Imaj9 and IVmaj9

Chord Imaj9
1 3 5 7 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2

Chord IVmaj9
4 6 1 3 5 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5

same same same same

spacing spacing spacing spacing
Major 9th
definition
1 3 5 7 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2

WHERE THE CHORD VARIATIONS COME FROM 83

 CHORDS IIm9 AND VIm9

Chords IIm9 and VIm9 are minor 9th chords

because their note spacing follows the definition
of a minor 9th chord

Chords IIm9 and VIm9

Chord IIm9
2 4 6 1 3 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3

Chord VIm9
6 1 3 5 7 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

same same same same

spacing spacing spacing spacing
minor 9th
definition
1 H3 5 H7 2 1 2 H3 3 4 5 6 H7 7 1 2

CHORD V9

Chord V9 is a Dominant 9th chord because its note

spacing follows the definition of a Dominant 9th chord

Chord V9
Chord V9
5 7 2 4 6 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6

same same same same

spacing spacing spacing spacing
Dominant 9th
definition
1 3 5 H7 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 H7 7 1 2

84 GUITAR ON THE SPOT II - EXPANDING THE CODE

 CHORD IIIm7H9

Chord IIIm7H9 is a minor 7H9 chord because its note

spacing follows the definition of a minor 7H9 chord

Chord IIIm7H9
Chord IIIm7H9
3 5 7 2 4 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4

same same same same

spacing spacing spacing spacing
minor 7H9
definition
1 H3 5 H7 H2 1 2 H3 3 4 5 6 H7 7 1 H2 2

CHORD VIIm7H5H9

Chord VIIm7H5H9 is a minor 7H5H9 chord because its

note spacing follows the definition of a minor 7H5H9
chord

Chord IIIm7H5H9
Chord VIIm7H5H9
7 2 4 6 1 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

same same same same

spacing spacing spacing spacing
minor 7H5H9
definition
1 H3 H5 H7 H2 1 2 H3 3 4 H5 5 6 H7 7 1 H2 2

WHERE THE CHORD VARIATIONS COME FROM 85