More Rock Progressions
The previous Rock progressions in this book were constructed from the I, IV, V, VIm, IIIm, and IIm chords. Many Rock progressions however use two other chords within the key. These two chores are based upon the flattened 3rd (bIII), and flattened 7th (bVII) notes of the major scale from which each chord takes its name. Both chords within each key are illustrated in the following table.
The following Rock progression is constructed from the I, IV, V, bIII, and bVII chords in the key of A. As shown in the previous chart, the chords used are A, D, E, C and G.
Rhythm Pattern
F Major Chord
To play the F chord, use the first, second and third fingers of your left hand as shown in the diagram. Strum only five strings. The first finger bars across the first two strings. This is quite difficult at first. The F chord is easier to play if you position your third and second before positioning the first finger.
Rhythm Pattern
The following turnaround progression introduces the F chord. Remember that you can use any rhythm pattern you like on any chord progression as long as they have the same time signature, e.g., * time.
The F chord is featured in the following Rock progression. This progression is constructed from the I, IV, V, bIII, and bVII chords in the key of D. As shown in the opposite chart, the chords used are D, F, G, A and C.
Rhythm Pattern
C Seventh Chord
To play the C7 chord, use the four fingers of your left hand as shown in the diagram, and strum all six strings. The C7 chord is a C chord with an added Bb note played by the fourth finger.
Rhythm Pattern
Use your second finger as a pivot when changing between the F and Dm chords. Use your first and second fingers as pivots when changing between Am and C7.
The final Rock progression in this lesson is constructed from the I, IV, V7, bIII, and bVII chords in the key of E. As shown in the chart at the beginning of this lesson, the chords used are E, G, A, B7 and D. The C7 chord has also been incorporated into this progression. This is a perfect example of how a chord that does note directly relate to a certain key can be used in a progression. A triplet rhythm is used.
Rhythm Pattern
