Welcome to the Blues Chords Workshop Lesson 7.
This lesson introduces the next group voicing for the 12-Bar Blues in D on the top strings between the 12th and 15th frets. Let us call this the top structure of Group C Voicings for Blues.
Click on the video below to watch the lesson.
Learning Aids
The TABs and chord diagrams for the Lesson 7 are presented below.
Primary Takeaways from Blues Chords Workshop Lesson 7
The main takeaways of lesson 2 are as follows:
1. Same chord shapes as those in Group A Voicings (top set)
As evident in the previous 2 lessons, the chord shapes are familiar because they have already been introduced in lesson 5. The chord shapes are similar because of the fact proper Blues use dominant 7th chords. Also, an ascending interval of a perfect 4th is also a descending interval of a perfect 5th. Since the Blues uses only the I, IV and V chords, this makes it convenient.
The main takeaway from this is that learning inversions of Blues chords can be optimised if we note this simple yet important fact. In other words, observing this fact will expand your chord knowledge greatly and allow you to play the blues chords at other fret locations.
2. I to IV chord change
The I chord in this lesson is the IV chord in lesson 5. Similarly, the VI chord in this lesson is the I chord in lesson 5. Although we are in the key of D blues, the chords are simply inversions of each other.
3. The same shape for the IV and V chords
Since this method uses, the same chord shape for both the IV and V chords, therefore the V chord in this lesson is the same shape as the I chord from lesson 5. Notwithstanding, it is easier to just slide the IV chord up 2 frets to get the V chord.
Tips for Better Learning
Experiment yourself
By the end of this lesson, you would have adequate knowledge to combine the voicings from the previous 2 lessons. Although it is not included in the course at this stage, you should try to experiment by connecting Group A-, Group B-, and Group C-voicings that you learnt today.
In a sense, you are preempting your own adaptation and application of knowledge which is a higher form of (self) learning. When we come to the later, more advanced courses on chords, you would have some innate knowledge which will help you assimilate knowledge more efficiently at that later stage.