Really Learn Guitar - 7th Chords

Guitar Chords Tutorial -
7th Chords Phase II

Back in the Seventh Guitar Chords (Phase I) tutorial, we learned about constructing 7th chords with roots on the 6th, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings (see the Fretboard tutorial).

In this section we will learn how simply moving the root note from the 6th string to the 1st string changes the way the chord may be applied in your playing. These forms are alternatives to the voicings in the Phase I forms. Remember, I am using the chord charts to emphasize the concept of learning the scale degrees used in a chord, not so that you'll memorize them.

As you've been advised before, think of the scale degrees contained in the chord form and avoid memorizing picture charts. Then you will be able to quickly change to and from more complex guitar chords as your playing advances.

The subsequent diagram demonstrates how to form the alternative voicings to the Phase I guitar chords. With these new voicings you will be playing on the top 4 strings only.