Scale Tone Chords (Part 1)
You are already familiar with the 3 principle chords in any major key, which are based upon the first, fourth and fifth notes of the major scale. Chords built upon the second, third and sixth notes of the major scale are all minor chords, and in the key of D they are Em (IIm), F#m (IIIm) and Bm (VIm) respectively.
In Note Form:
In Chord Diagram Form:
F#m
Em
Bm
The F#m chord involves a full bar (barring all 6 strings) by the first finger at the 2nd fret (see photo). This may be very difficult at first, but it is an extremely important technique, particularly for playing rhythm guitar in a group. The Bm chord also requires a bar at the 2nd fret, covering 5 strings. All chords requiring a 5 or 6 string bar generally referred to as bar chords *.
*A more detailed study of bar chords, rhythms and rhythm techniques can be found in Progressive Rhythm Guitar by Gary Turner and Brenton White.
The following turnaround exercises (see Lesson 11 ) are designed to give you practice on the two new bar chords, F#m and Bm.
