The Pivot
Once you have learned the C chord shape, practice changing between C and G, and also C and D7. When changing between the C and D7 chords, the first finger does not move.
The note played by the first finger (a C note) is common to both chords. The second and third fingers move to their new position and the first finger acts as a pivot. Use the slide finger (3rd finger, 1st string) when changing between G and D7.
The use of pivot and slide fingers always makes a chord change sound smoother. For this reason, it is important to get into the habit of using them wherever possible.
The following chord progression contains the three chords you have learned so far. There are four quarter note strums in each bar as indicated by the rhythm pattern. This is a 12 Bar Blues progression, which is the most common progression used in Blues music. This progression is discussed in detail in Lesson 3 .
Rhythm Pattern
G Seventh Chord
G7
To play the G7 chord, place the first, second and third fingers of your left hand as shown in the diagram. Strum all six strings.
The Common Time Signature (Q )
This symbol is called common time. It means exactly the same as *.
After you have played through the progression twice, end with a single strum on a G chord.
Rhythm Pattern
This example uses all four of the chords you have learned so far. Make sure you can change comfortably between each of the chords and then play the progression.
Rhythm Pattern
