How To Play Traditional Guitar In Any Key Without A Capo The Hillbilly Way (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

Here are the rules. I am using chord numbers to refer to the chord sequence, as follows: The chord of the

key being played in (the tonic) is I; the “sub-dominant” chord of that key is IV; and the “dominant” chord

of that key is V. All these chord formations are movable. Formations 1, 2, and 3 can be used as I chords

(the chord of the key in which you are playing) anywhere on the ﬁngerboard where it will make the I

chord desired. If a Formation 1 chord is played with the 1 ﬁnger fretting the 1st fret, it makes a I chord in

the key of F. If a Formation 2 chord is played with the 1 ﬁnger fretting the 2nd fret, it makes a I chord in

the key of A. If a Formation 3 chord is played with the 1 ﬁnger fretting the 2nd fret, it makes a D chord.

To determine other keys playable using a Formation as a I chord, simply count frets up the ﬁngerboard

for that formation. Formations 1A and 2A make a “7th” chord out of the Formation 1 and 2 chords,

respectively. For example, the “F” formation played starting with the lowest notes on the ﬁrst fret is an F,

move it up one fret and it is an F#, another fret and it is a G. The same applies for the other chord forma-

tions. Following are diagrams of the I, IV, and V chords for keys in which the I chord is the Formation 1,

2, or 3 chord starting with the 1 ﬁnger of the I chord at the fret marked “•” in each example, with the IV

and V chords placed as shown by the

•” mark on the fret on which the I chord is made. The tonic or 1

“

note(s) in each chord formation is indicated by “

“.

Formation 1 = I Chord

Formation 2 = IV Chord

Formation 4 = V Chord

•

Formation 2 = I Chord

Formation 3 = IV Chord

Formation 1 = V Chord

•

Formation 3 = I Chord

Formation I - IV Chord

Formation 2 = V Chord

•

A circle of ﬁfths run can be made automatically by ﬁnding the starting chord of the sequence in an F For-

mation up the neck. The next chord in the sequence will be the C7 Formation two frets down the neck.

The next chord will be the F Formation in the same place as the C7; and, so on down the ﬁngerboard until

the sequence resolves with the I chord of the key being played in. This sequence can also be started with

the C7 Formation, if it is the appropriate place to start the particular sequence.

That’s it. Have fun!

How to Play Traditional Backup Guitar in any Key Without a Capo the Hillbilly Way by Phil Williams

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How To Play Traditional Guitar In Any Key Without A Capo The Hillbilly Way Page 2