Bar Chord Progressions
Now you will have the opportunity to try some chord progressions which feature the root 6 major and minor bar chords. The progressions are carefully set out in order of difficulty and use a variety of different rhythms.
Changing Bar Chords
As you change from one root 6 major bar chord to another do not lift your fingers off the strings. It is only necessary to release the pressure in the left hand and maintain the shape of the bar chord as you change to the next position.
Release pressure in left hand.
Maintain chord shape and slide to next position.
Study the following chord diagrams. These are all the root 6 bar chords used in examples 1-5.
A
G
F
B
F#
C
Am
Bm
Example 1 consists of two bars of A (5th fret) and two bars of G (3rd fret). A basic rhythm of four down-strums to a bar is used to assist with the changing of the chords. After repeating the example finish with one strum of the first chord (A).
Rhythm Pattern
The next example is an eight bar progression using G (3rd fret), Am (5th fret), Bm (7th fret) and C (8th fret). A basic rhythm counted 1 and 2 and 3, 4, is used.
Rhythm Pattern
Example 3 introduces the chord F# (2nd fret). A basic syncopated rhythm counted as "1 and 2 and miss and 4 and", is used.
Rhythm Pattern
This time a sixteen note rhythm pattern is used in example 4. Use your second, third and fourth fingers for the basic E chord. This will assist with changing to the F# chord.
Sixteenth note Rhythm Pattern
Example 5 introduces the F major chord (1st fret).
Sixteenth note Rhythm Pattern
