Sunday, November 23, 2014

Chord "Deux" Jour Challenge: A#dim and Bmaj7

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 (which probably won't show up during the Challenge)

The first chord is A-sharp diminished, or A#dim:


Guitarists, with this chord shape for A#dim, you actually have the option to play the open low E string and/or the open high E string. This moveable dim chord shape effectively becomes an open chord, if you choose to play it that way.

Keyboardists ... there's not much to say here about A#dim.

The next chord is B (major) major 7th, or Bmaj7:


Guitarists, it's a moveable barre chord at the 2nd fret. Most of the chords from here on out will be a barre chord or moveable chord shape: E-shape, E7-shape, Em-shape, Em7-shape, Edim-shape, Em7b5-shape, A-shape, A7-shape, Amaj7-shape, Am-shape, Am7-shape, Adim-shape, Am7b5-shape, etc. In other words, you would be wise to know the note names that occur on the low E and A strings. Hints: The dots on the fretboard are your friends, and notes repeat starting at the 12th fret.

Keyboardists, B major chord + D#m chord = Bmaj7.

Two more tomorrow. Cheers!

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