The definition of a seventh chord is a chord consisting of a triad plus a note forming an interval of a seventh above the chords root. There are seven commonly used seventh chords in Western music. You can easily master these first 3 (most often used) formulas - immediately doubling your minor chord vocabulary and tripling your major chord vocabulary. How cool is that? Take your time with these and get the first three formulas down before moving to the others (FYI-The three most popular formulas are Major 7th, Minor 7th and Dominant 7th.)
Major seventh - for example Dmaj7, DM7, DΔ, etc. (these are chord symbols that you will see on charts)
Formation -(1, 3, 5, 7): to easily convert any major chord into a major seventh chord, find a higher octave of the root and flatten it by a half-step (meaning, don't flat the lowest note - the root, but find a higher octave to alter). For example, play a D major chord. To convert this chord to a D major seventh, drop the high D on the second string back one half-step to Db (or C#). To play this easily, bar the second fret at strings 1, 2 and 3 while you play the 4th string open.
Minor seventh - for example Emin7, Em7, E-7, etc.
Formation - (1, b3, 5, b7): to easily convert any minor chord into a minor seventh chord, find a higher octave of the root and flatten it by one whole-step. For example, play an E minor chord. To convert this chord to an E minor seventh, drop the E on the fourth string back one whole-step to the open D. Then strum all the strings.
Dominant seventh - for example A7 or A7
Formation - (1, 3, 5, b7): to easily convert any major chord into a dominant seventh chord, find a higher octave of the root and flatten it by 1 whole-step. For example, play an A major chord. To convert this chord to an A dominant seventh, drop the A on the 3rd string back one whole-step to the open G. Then strum strings 1 through 5.
Half-diminished seventh - for example “D minor seventh flat five” Dm7b5, D-7b5, Do, etc.
Formation - (1, b3, b5, b7): to easily convert any minor seventh chord into a half-diminished seventh chord, flatten the 5 by a half-step. For example, play a D minor seventh chord. To convert this chord to a D half diminished seventh chord, flatten the A on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string by a half-step, to an Ab (or G#). This chord can easily be played by barring strings 1-3 at the 1st fret and strumming strings 1-4.
Diminished seventh - for example D°7, or Ddim7
Formation - (1, b3, b5, bb7 (or 6 - known as enharmonic 6)): to easily convert any half-diminished seventh chord to a diminished seventh chord, flatten again the already b7. On the above D half-diminished seventh chord that we just played, flatten the C (on the second string) by a half-step. The fretting should be as follows high E string (1st fret), B string (open), G string (1st fret), D string (open). Now, if you are anything like me, that double-flat seven (bb7) bothers you. This is how it is justified. These are 7th chords we are talking about right? How can a 7th chord NOT have a 7 (interval) in it, but a 6 instead? Things get a little complicated with this type if theory, but no worries! I will guide you through it. Too, I don't expect you to digest/retain all of this in one sitting. It may take several days or weeks for this to really settle in, depending on how much attention you give it. Let's keep moving forward.
Minor major seventh- for example Dmmaj7, DmM7, DmΔ7, D-Δ7, etc.
Formation - (1, b3, 5, 7): to easily convert any major seventh chord to a minor major seventh chord (I know “minor major” right? Just roll with it.); flatten the third by a half-step. For instance, play the D major seventh chord from our 1st example. Now flatten the 3 which is on the second fret of the first string. If you move this one note back one half-step to the “F”, it will produce a D minor major seventh chord.
Augmented major seventh - for example Dmaj7(#5), D+M7, D+Δ7, etc.
Formation - (1, 3, #5, 7): to easily convert any major 7th chord to an augmented major 7th chord; sharpen the 5th by a half-step. For instance, play a D major seventh chord. Now find the 5th and raise it by a half-step. The D string should be played open, while the 3rd string is fretted at the 3rd fret, and strings 1 and 2 are fretted at the 2nd fret.
Whew!!! Now go take a rest! I know your brain is tired! Mine sure is! Remember to take this slow. You could no more easily digest all of this than you could an entire Thanksgiving meal! But over time, this will be no problem. Remember, I can easily say “this is this chord, and that is that chord,” but that won’t make your brain start thinking - which is what I am trying to do here with you. If this feels like too much for you at one time, try to understand the concepts on the first 3 examples. Those are the ones that you are going to use the most. Dominant seventh chords are very popular in blues and other styles of music, so if you like blues make sure that you understand dominant sevenths. If you’re interested in learning jazz guitar, it will be important that you eventually learn all of these examples. Now go grab your guitar and start applying these concepts immediately so that they can become part of your playing.
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Summary
WOW, you made it!!! Not just through this book, but through understanding some of the most important subjects in regards to guitar. I have been playing for nearly 30 years and know MANY guitar players that have been playing that long that don’t know many of these concepts. SOO, it really is a big deal that you have made it this far.
All of these concepts, ideas, definitions and exercises were designed to give you more “colors” in your palette. YOU are the artist! Don’t let anything that you have learned here or from anywhere else hinder your art. It’s NOT about rules! However, all these bits and pieces are going to help you decipher the code of music. They will allow you to play new parts that you would not have thought of before, had you not stretched your mind.
Everyone has different goals and different skills that they bring to the table, including YOU. Don’t be discouraged about what another can do “better” than you. You have your own skills and goals. You are unique! I can’t express that enough! If everyone was a virtuoso speed player, guitar would be very boring. EVERYONE has a place in the musical spectrum. SOO, practice and use what you are going to use for YOUR goals and forget the rest. You can always come back to it and refresh your memory. Having taken the time to go through the whole regimen however will allow you to KNOW what you need and what you don’t. Plus, it will just make you a better musician overall.
I’m proud of you! I want to hear from you and about your accomplishments on this beautiful and exciting instrument called the guitar. Send me pics, send me stories, and let your friends know of the lessons. I plan on teaching 50 years from now, so I’m not going anywhere. Stick with me and I’ll stick with you!
And remember the final and most IMPORTANT of all the lessons: Practice, practice, practice!!
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Thank You
Before you go I would like to say a big “thank you” for purchasing and reading my eBook.
I know you could have easily purchased someone else’s book on guitar lessons and how to play the guitar. But you took a chance with my eBook.
Huge thanks for downloading this eBook and finishing the entire book.
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A Cause Close to My Heart
As many of you know, I am a BIG animal lover and advocate for animal welfare. I also believe to be of great significance in this world, we need to leave more than we have taken and we MUST take a stand for those that don’t have a voice. Two things that I have always been passionate about are guitars and animals. If you have a heart for animals like I do, you will be happy to know that a portion of every YourGuitarSage purchase is given to animal welfare organizations like: ASPCA and Happy Tales Humane.
Many people have not taken the time to understand the gravity or plight of many of the animals living in our world today. Since the cause is so big, I have focused my cause on the issues of “spay and neuter” and animal cruelty prevention through legislation, law enforcements and education. “Spay and neuter” is also known as animal population control or the sterilization of domesticated(house) pets and feral(wild) animals where necessary and able. It’s a simple procedure that can save millions of animals lives every year from the carelessness/cruelty of humans (a supposed “higher” life form). Here are some basic facts to show you just how quickly one cat or dog left to breed can have a DRASTIC impact on the death toll.
If you are a pet owner, I IMPLORE you to spay/neuter your animal. This is an EASY way to change 1000s of innocent lives. Oh yeah, and Karma will shine upon you :)
Also, if you feel moved to do so, please give to the organizations above. Together, we have the power to change this world! Please join me!
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Resources
Free Mobile App – Guitar Lesson with YGS
Apple
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/guitar-lessons-with-ygs/id575307069?ls=1&mt=8
Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app_ygsguitar.layout&feature
Your Guitar Sage Website
http://www.yourguitarsage.com
Free Online Guitar Lessons
www.unstoppableguitarsystem.com
YourGuitarSage YouTube Channel: 100s of Free Song and Technique Videos
www.youtube.com/yourguitarsage
Beginners Technique Videos
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL59887F15772E873D&feature=plcp
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/yourguitarsage
Twitter
https://twitter.com/yourguitarsage
The Guitar Blog
http://www.yourguitarsage.com/blog/
Gear Questions
http://www.yourguitarsage.com/faqs/guitar-gear/
Free Tablature Paper
http://www.yourguitarsage.com/printable-blank-guitar-tablature-paper/
Anatomy of the Guitar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKQcNP_wyAU
Posture
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9xCda_lY00
Dexerity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1ojpl_EVlg
How to Tune Your Guitar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF27dlZOzaE
How to Play Open Chords
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbJIEg8d4Sk
Talent vs. Practice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kys6POthOk8
Strumming Method
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQCNgEYsDcA
Master ANY Strumming Rhythm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPCW7Jh2Ixg
Number System Chart – Cover Song Example
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZdHVImyXZc
How to Use a Capo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WONBhwJGiW4
Basics to Fingerpicking
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGLpo-1jVxI
Cover Song Example on Fingerpicking
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFFMCS1qU9U
Harpsichord Technique
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upGCyPfbVLc
Expand Your Knowledge to Notes on the Fret Board
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25zFcrw--kc
Springboards
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDBZCS1u4bE
Diatonic Harmony
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTVPUU-s6EE
6th 5th String Root Major Scales
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiO50EJfaPY
5th String Root 2 Octave – Major Scale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUL9WnhNLY8
6th String Root 2 Octave – Major Scale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5miAgw-PXbQ
Single String Major Scale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQTR7Dk--4s
The Power of the Pentatonic Scale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm24zj1kJVA
Form 1 A min and C maj – Pentatonic Scale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwB8VXIoXEE
Chord Noodling Improvisation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSryuuvUfDM
Blues Improvisation – Call and Response
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TZ03OC0n80
Chord Noodling Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FflbeCSPAMw
Chord Noodling Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZLtv-iN_Us
How to Play Suspension Chords and Some Fancy Chord Noodling
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mpLa5Nxnt4
Cover Example – Chord Noodling
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=678IqWMJKAY
Over 300 Bar Chords
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R9fI8E8J4o
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJF55XHz154
12 Bar Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtFTaFtzCw8
The “effing F Chord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8uxxU6wL68
The “CAGED System
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBe5-Cx1qzQ
Building Seventh Chords
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2fkDODdFXA
Click here to receive free videos on right and left hand techniques and exercises that will quickly boost your guitar playing ability.
Thank you so much for all your support. If you enjoyed this book and all the resources then please leave your 5 Star Review Here.
Guitar Mastery Simplified: How Anyone Can Quickly Become a Strumming, Chords, and Lead Guitar Ninja Page 9