Extended chord licks
The next set of chord based licks are positioned further up the fretboard. There are literally thousands of chord shapes all over the fretboard but only some common shapes in the key of G will be introduced. All of the following chord shapes share the same bass note, the open fourth string (D).
G/D
(3rd position)
G/D
(7th position)
G/D
(10th position)
C/D
(3rd position)
C/D
(8th position)
Banjo Picking Style
These chords are often used in a picking style that simulates the sound of a banjo. A resonating, droning sound is created with the constant open D string over every chord with the right hand picking only the first four strings. This style is demonstrated next.
It is also possible to combine the banjo picking style with a melody, played mainly on the first string. The following arrangement of Will the Circle be Unbroken is an excellent example of this type of picking technique.
The next piece is an interesting arrangement of Banks of the Ohio. The first part is an accompaniment style that makes full use of melody picking. The second part, played in the banjo picking style, could be used as an instrumental.
The next piece in this book is a solo arrangement. The tune El Condor Pasa is a traditional Folk song from South America.
The following arrangement mainly uses basic chords within the first four frets. There are however three bar chords used in this piece that have not been used in the book. A C bar chord (root 5 major) is played on the 3rd fret. An F bar chord (root 5 major) is played on the 8th fret. A C bar chord (root 6 major) is played on the 8th fret. Study these following diagrams which also highlight an extra note that will be added to each chord shape.
C Bar Chord(Root5-3rd Fret)
F Bar Chord(Root5-8th Fret)
C Bar Chord(Root6-8th Fret)
Now a fun song called Mama Don’t Allow. This piece combines melody picking with chord based licks similar to the licks in Lesson 8. Particular attention should be given to the root 6 and root 5 bar chords.
The final piece in this lesson is a fingerpicking solo that uses many of the techniques outlined throughout the book including banjo picking chords, bass runs, hammer-ons, pulloffs and slides. Attention should be given to the suggested left hand fingering.
