Changing Between Shapes
Once you know how to play both root 6 and root 5 bar chords, the next step is learning how to combine them. Shown below is an exercise to help you gain control of changing between the two major bar chords. The G chord is root 6 while the C and D chords are root 5. As you play this example, notice that the chords G, C and D are chords I IV and V in the key of G. You could use these chord shapes to play a 12 bar Blues in the key of G. You could also move the chords to other positions on the fretboard and play a 12 bar Blues in any key. This becomes even easier when you learn the following pattern"
If chord I is root 6, then chord IV will be root 5 at the same fret, and chord V will be root 5 two frets higher up the neck. This applies to all keys.
It is also possible to play this progression beginning with a root 5 chord for chord I and then moving to a root 6 for chords IV and V. This results in the following pattern:
If chord I is root 5, then chord IV will be root 6 two frets lower, and chord V will be will root 6 at the same fret as chord I. This pattern also applies to all keys. Listen to the CD to hear the difference between this example and the previous one.
Here is another example which will give you more practice at changing between root 5 and root 6 bar chords. Notice the use of staccato here. Like single notes, staccato with bar chords is achieved by quickly lifting the fingers off the fretboard but not off the strings.
