How To Play Traditional Guitar In Any Key Without A Capo The Hillbilly Way
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2How to Play Traditional Backup Guitar in Any Key Without a Capo the Hillbilly Way
by Phil Williams
I learned a simple system of playing backup chords in any key without a capo from my father, who
came from a rural Kentucky family. This system is based on chord formations not generally found in
guitar instruction books, and is a method not taught by any self-respecting guitar teacher. However, it
has gotten me through many jam sessions and public performances, and will do the same for you.
The system is based on only four chord formations: F, C7, D, and a barred A, with a couple 7th chord
formations and some other fingers added as needed. Here are the chord formations:
F Chord Formation - Formation 1
F7 Chord Formation - Formation 1A
1
1
X
X
4
4
1
1
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
2
2
3
3
T
T
X
X
A Chord Formation - Formation 2
A7 Chord Formation - Formation 2A
4
4
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
C7 Chord Formation - Formation 3
D Chord Formation - Formation 4
1
1
X
X
1
1
2
2
4
4
1
1
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
X
X
X
X
Note: an “X” on a string indicates that it is not sounded. The “thumb over” on the sixth string on
the F formation chord is optional. If you do not use the thumb, do not sound the 6th string. The
fingers are numbered: index - 1, middle - 2; ring - 3, little - 4, thumb - T. The top string in the diagram is the
high E, the next down the B, third string down the G, fourth the D, fifth the A, and bottom, the low E.
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