guitar on the spot free

Guitar ...On the Spot!Free E-Book

Make Up Songs On the Guitar...On the Spot!

Jesse HuntCopyright 1997-2005 On the Spot Publishing

All Rights Reserved

Making Up

Songs is as

Easy as

Rolling a Die

Guitar ...On the Spot!Free E-Book

Make Up Songs On the Guitar...On the Spot!

Jesse HuntCopyright 1997-2005 On the Spot Publishing

All Rights Reserved

INTRODUCTION 3

This e-book is a free introduction to the guitar. If you’ld like to know more and discover how easy it is to jam all over the guitar using one simple code you can check out Guitar On the Spot - The System at www.guitar-on-the-spot.com.

Guitar On the Spot - The System Overview

Guitar On the SpotUsing the Code

Guitar On the Spot IIExpanding the Code

Guitar On the Spot IIICommanding the Code

Click here to learn more about Guitar On the Spot - The System.

http://www.guitar-on-the-spot.com/guitar-on-the-spot-system.html




4 GUITAR ON THE SPOT - FREE E-BOOK - MAKE UP SONGS

You can play guitar and make up songs right away without having to read a ton of stuff first. Just roll the die! It’s an Endless Song Making Machine!

You don’t need to take years of lessonsYou don’t need to read musical notesYou don’t need a “good ear”You don’t need any guitar experience

In Guitar On the Spot you’ll discover how to:

Play guitar right awayMake up songs right away by rolling a dieMake up solos off the top of your headCreate emotions in your songsCreate melodies that you can sing

••••

•••••

Introduction - Part I

Dear Friend,

Congratulations! You’ve taken your first step towards making your guitar playing career a reality! Get ready to make up songs right now. Even if you’re a complete beginner.

It’s as easy as rolling dice! The secret is knowing the Key Concept.

You just follow three simple steps:

MAKE UP SONGS BY ROLLING A DIE

1PICK a Keyfor Your Song!

3PLAY YourSong!

2ROLL a Dieto Select Chords from that Key!

INTRODUCTION 5

You’ll also find out how to make up your own:

Reggae SongsRock SongsSpanish SongsJazz SongsBlues Songs

If you’ve got the ambition to play guitar, but you’re having a hard time making sense of it, I feel your PAIN!

I struggled for years until I FINALLY discovered the Key Concept. Then it all made sense and I could make up my own songs, solos and riffs on the spot.

That’s when I knew I had to share this with you! Because there’s no reason you should have to go through what I went through.

When you know the Key Concept practicing the guitar is no longer a chore. It becomes fun because you’re always making stuff up off the top of your head!

After you start making up your own songs you’ll realize that

“The song you’ve been dying to hear isthe one created by YOU!”

**********************************

Hi my name is Jesse Hunt and I could never make sense of the guitar. I always wanted to make up my own songs, but I found the process really frustrating.

When I finally figured it out, I realized it’s really simple. The secret is the Key Concept.Once you know it, you can make up your own songs on the guitar on the spot.

It’s really easy.

Note: If you’re a complete beginner, check out the Guitar Basics section first. If you can already strum some chords continue on to Step 1.

But before you do anything make sure your guitar is in tune, or else your songs won’t sound very good. I suggest you buy a guitar tuner at first. Then learn how to tune a guitar without a tuner. You can learn how to tune a guitar with or without a tuner in the Appendix.

•••••


Here’s an overview of the 5 steps that you can follow to get started right away:

Step 1 - Discover the Secret to Making Up SongsFirst discover the secret to playing the guitar and making up your own songs called the Key Concept.

Step 2 - Make Up Songs Right Away by Rolling a DieMake up your own songs right away by rolling a die.

Step 3 - Song Making TipsThen learn some song tips that you can use to spice up your songs. This step contains these chapters: Tips to Create Emotions in Your Songs, Make Up a Song With a Verse and a Chorus, The Secret Is in the Numbers, Song Making Tips and Make Up a Melody.

Step 4 - Make Up Different Types of SongsDiscover how to make up different types of songs including reggae, rock, spanish, jazz and blues songs.

Step 5 - Make Up Solos On Lead GuitarThen you’re ready to make up solos on lead guitar. You’ll discover one simple pattern that you can use to solo over any song. And then learn how to move up the guitar neck using 4 other patterns.

Step 6 - Make Up Riffs On GuitarMake up your own riffs on guitar by playing parts of chords and mixing in notes from the simple solo pattern.

I created this course because it’s exactly what I wish I had in my hands when I first started playing. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way, but you don’t have to.

I wish you the best and look forward to hearing your songs!

Have Fun!

Jesse Hunt

If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 7

Guitar On the Spot - Free E-BookMake Up Songs On the Guitar ...On the Spot!

CONTENTS

Guitar On the Spot - The System - Overview 3Introduction - Note from Jesse 4

STEP 1DISCOVER THE SECRET TO MAKING UP SONGS

Chapter 1 - The Secret to Making Up Songs - The Key Concept 26

STEP 2MAKE UP SONGS RIGHT AWAY

BY ROLLING A DIE

Chapter 2 - Make Up Songs Right Away in Three Steps by Rolling a Die 32

Start Here If You’re A Complete Beginner

GUITAR BASICS

Basics 1 - Parts of the Guitar 10Basics 2 - How to Hold and Strum a Guitar 12Basics 3 - How to Play Chords in Three Steps 14Basics 4 - You Can Make Up Songs Using Chord Progressions 18Basics 5 - All You Need To Know About the Notes On the Guitar 19

Start Here If You Can Already Strum Some Chords


STEP 3SONG MAKING TIPS

Chapter 3 - Tips to Create Emotions in Your Songs 38Chapter 4 - Make Up a Song With a Verse and a Chorus 41Chapter 5 - The Secret Is in the Numbers 43Chapter 6 - Song Making Tips 46Chapter 7 - Make Up a Melody 47

STEP 4MAKE UP DIFFERENT TYPES OF SONGS

Chapter 8 - Make Up a Reggae Song 52Chapter 9 - Make Up a Rock Song 53Chapter 10 - Make Up a Spanish Song 54 Chapter 11 - Make Up a Jazz Song 55Chapter 12 - Make Up a Blues Song 58

STEP 5MAKE UP SOLOS ON LEAD GUITAR

Chapter 13 - How to Jam With Other People 64Chapter 14 - Make Up Solos on Lead Guitar 67Chapter 15 - Make Up Solos Up And Down the Guitar Neck 73

STEP 6MAKE UP RIFFS ON GUITAR

Chapter 16 - Make Up Riffs On Guitar 76

APPENDIX

Appendix A - How to Tune Your Guitar 80

Guitar Basics


BASICS

1 Parts of the Guitar

STEEL STRING ACOUSTIC GUITAR

The bridge holds the ends of the strings in place.

The guitar body amplifies the sound and sends it out through the sound hole.

The pick guard protects the guitar body from getting scratched by a pick.

The frets are the metal ridges embedded in the guitar neck. There are anywhere from 19 to 24 frets on a guitar neck.

The fretboard is the front of the neck where you place your fingers on the strings.

The small dots on the fretboard are fret markers for reference so you know where you are.

The nut is the top edge of the guitar neck and guides the strings.

The headstock holds the six tuning pegs in place.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Fretboard

Bridge

BodySound Hole Nut

Neck

Headstock

TuningPegs

Frets

Pick Guard

FretMarkers

PARTS OF THE GUITAR 11

ELECTRIC GUITAR

An electric guitar is plugged into an amplifier in order to make the sound louder.

The electronic pick-ups “pick up” the vibrations of the strings and convert them into an electronic signal, which is then sent to the output socket.

Each pick-up sounds different because of its location on the guitar body.

You use the pick-up selector to choose which pick-ups to turn on.

The back pick-up sounds twangy and vibrant (good for lead guitar), while thefront pick-up sounds full and rich (good for rhythm guitar).

The body holds the pick-ups in place.

The volume control knobs control the volume for each pick-up and the tonecontrol knob controls the brightness of the sound.

Some electric guitars have a whammy bar connected to a floating bridge to change the tension in the strings while playing so you can make cool sounds.

The neck and headstock on the electric guitar are basically the same as the acoustic guitar, however the tuning pegs on this electric guitar are all on one side.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Fretboard

Bridge

Body

Nut

FretMarkers

Headstock

Tuning Pegs

Frets

Pick-upSelector

Volume & ToneControls

Pick-ups

WhammyBar Output

Socket

Neck


How to Hold and Struma Guitar

SITTING

There are right-handed and left-handed guitars. These pictures show right-handed playing.

Rest your inner right elbow on the edge of the guitar body as a stabilizer for your arm.

•

•

STANDING

Playing the guitar while standing is more fun, but more difficult.

Adjust the strap to a comfortable length.

If your left wrist hurts, make the strap shorter or tilt the neck upwards.

•

•

•

BASICS

2

Use your right hand to strum the strings of the guitar.

Use the fingers of your left hand to push down the strings on the fretboard.

Be sure that your left elbow is not resting on your left thigh so that your left hand is free to move up and down the neck.

•

•

•

HOW TO HOLD AND STRUM A GUITAR 13

STRUMMING THE GUITAR

Use your right hand to pluck or strum the strings

Strum downwards with your index fingernail, and upwards with your thumbnail.

Practice strumming downwards and upwards four times each.

•

•

Strum downwards with your index fingernail

Strum upwards with your thumbnail

USING A PICK

Hold the pick between your thumb and index finger.

Thin picks are good for strumming.

Thick picks are good for plucking strings one at a time and for soloing. I personally use Fender medium picks for everything.

Alternate picking strokes between downstrokes and upstrokes to keep your picking consistent. This is called alternate picking.

•

•

•

• Hold the pick between your thumb and

index finger

You can use a guitar pick instead of your fingernails


How to Play Chords in Three Steps

BASICS

3NOTES

To play a single note:

Each fret on the guitar is one note

The Note GPush down one string right above any fret with one finger. Then pluck that string with a finger of your other hand.

Pluck the string over the sound hole on an acoustic guitar or over the pick-ups in the body of an electric guitar.

•

•Frets

Nut

Single Note G

CHORDS

Three or more different notes played at once is a chord

The Chord G MajorYou play chords by reading chord diagrams. See the G Major chord diagram on the right.

There are two main types of chords: Major chords and minor chords.

The next page shows you how to play chords in three steps.

•

•

0 0Nut

2 1 0 3

G Majorchord diagram

Nut

HOW TO PLAY CHORDS IN THREE STEPS 15

G Major G Major

You play chords by reading chord diagrams (see left).

The black dots represent your fingers.

The numbers on the top of each chord diagram tell you which fingers to use on each string according to the Fingering Key in step 2.

•

•

•

Each finger is represented by a number in the Fingering Key. You use the corresponding finger on each string.

A string that doesn’t have a black dot on it has either a 0 (zero) or a X on the top. If it has a 0, you strum that string without putting any fingers down. If it has a X, you don’t strum that string.

•

•

Fingering Key

0 Strum Without FingersX Do Not Strum

Fingering Key

0 Strum Without FingersX Do Not Strum

G Major Chord

HOW TO PLAY CHORDS

LOOK AT the Fingering Key2

PUT your fingers in the right spots and strum the chord3

+ =

LOOK AT the numbers on the top of the chord diagram10 0

Nut2 1 0 3


Nut

14

32

14

320 02 1 0 3

G Major

Chord diagrams with a double line on the top are played near the end of the guitar neck. The double line is the nut.

•


TIPS TO PLAY CHORDS

Place your thumb on the back of the neck. Arch your fingers and bend the first knuckle of each finger to press down only one string per finger.

Place your fingers as close as possible to the frets, but not on top of them. This will make the strings sound best and keep them from buzzing.

To learn chords quickly, practice fingering them 20 times without strumming.

•

•

•

OPEN CHORDS

Notice that in the G Major chord diagram (above left) there are three 0s and no Xs. This means that you strum all six strings even though you’re only pushing down three strings.

The D Major chord (above right) has two Xs and one 0. Remember, don’t strum the strings with the Xs, but do strum the string with a 0. When you play D Major, you only strum four strings.

•

•

Chords can be played in many different places. The versions of G Major and D Major below are called open chords because you strum at least one string “open” (the strings with the 0s).

G Major and D Major Open Chords

0 0OpenStrings

2 1 0 3

G Major

0 1X X 3 2

D Major

Don'tstrum

HOW TO PLAY CHORDS IN THREE STEPS 17

HOW TO PLAY BAR CHORDS

G Major Bar Chord

Chords can be played in many different places on the guitar neck as bar chords

When you play a bar chord, you use one finger as a “bar” to push down more than one string at a time. This is represented by the bar chord symbol in the diagram on the right. Look at the index finger in the photo.

•

The 3 fr on the right side of the G Major diagram above, tells you which fret number the chord is played on. At first, playing bar chords can be tiring for your hand, but after some practice you’ll get used to it.

•

ALTERNATE FINGERINGS

Some chords have an ALTERNATE FINGERING to give you an option to use different fingers

The alternate fingering is noted in parenthesis on the top of the B Major chord diagram on the right. The photo shows this alternate fingering.

• An Alternate Fingering

AlternateFingering

3 fr

( 4 21 3 1 1

G Major

Bar Chord Symbol

Fret Number

Index finger pushes down all strings

(3 3X( )1 3 X2 3X 1 4 1

B Major

AlternateFingering


You Can Make Up Songs Using Chord Progressions

CHORD PROGRESSIONS

Chord progressions can be drawn above a staff. A staff is split into measures that mark off equal units of time. A measure is one unit of time.

The four slashes below each measure in the figure are strumming strokes. The numbers below each strumming stroke are the beat count. In this example, there are four beats per measure.

Tap your foot as you count in your head “1, 2, 3, 4” over and over again. Then play the chord progression above by strumming every time you tap your foot. Since each chord has four strumming strokes, you strum each chord four times.

•

•

•

You can make up songs using chord progressions

A sequence of chords is called a chord progression.

Chord progressions are the building blocks of songs.

•

•

Sample Chord Progression

BASICS

4

2 1 0 0 0 3 0 2 3 0 0 0 X3 2 0 1 0XX0 1 3 2

G Major E minor C MajorD MajorStrumming

Strokes

Staff

Beat Count

One Measure - one unit of time

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Strum each chord four times

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NOTES ON THE GUITAR 19

All You Need To Know About the Notes On the Guitar

THE 12 NOTE CYCLE

There are 12 Repeating Notes:

Some notes have two names. They are called sharps (#) or flats (H). For example, A# (A sharp) is the same note as BH (B flat).

•

BASICS

5

A B C D E FC#DH

A#BH AG#

AHGD#EH

F#GH

NO SHARPS OR FLATS BETWEEN CERTAIN NOTES

There are NO sharp or flat notes between B and C, or E and F

No Sharpsor Flats

A B C D E FC#DH

A#BH AG#

AHGD#EH

F#GH


ONE OCTAVE = 12 NOTES

A distance of 12 notes is called an octave

From A to A is one octave

A B C D E FC#DH

A#BH

A#BHAG#

AHGD#EH

F#GH

HALF STEP = 1 NOTE WHOLE STEP = 2 NOTES

A distance of one note is called a half step and distance of two notes is called a whole step

Half Step(1 Note)

Whole Step(2 Notes)

A B C D E FC#DH

A#BH AG#

AHGD#EH

F#GH


THE SIX STRINGS

The thickest string is tuned to the note E, the lowest note on the guitar.

The next string is tuned to the note A, then D, G, B and the thinnest string is tuned to the note E again, but two octaves higher than the low E string.

•

•

The strings are numbered from 6, the thickest string, to 1, the thinnest string. When you pluck a string without pushing it down with a finger, you are playing the string “open”. For example, when you pluck the D string without pushing it down, you are playing the D string open.

See Appendix A to learn how to tune a guitar.

•

•

Each string is tuned to a note

ThickestString

ThinnestString

EADGBE

654321

THE NOTES ON THE LOW E STRING

To figure out the notes on the low E string use the 12 Note Cycle

Start on the note E, at the nut of the low E string, and call out the rest of the notes as you go up the guitar neck: “E, F, F#/GH, G, G#/AH, etc.” Look at the figure below to see the notes on the low E string.

The small black dots on the middle of the guitar neck are fret markers for reference. Notice that there are two dots on the 12th fret where the 12 note cycle repeats over again.

•

•

12 Notes Repeat

Fret Numbers

LowString

HighString

Headstock

Repeats Over

Nut

12 Note Cycle

F#GH

G#AH

A#BH

C#DH

D#EH

F#GHF G A B C D E

3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th 15th 17th 19th

F G#AH

A#BHG A BE

ADGBE

654321


THE NOTES ON EACH STRING OVERLAP

THE NOTES ON THE A STRING

You can play most notes in more than one place

Most notes can be played in at least two places, some in three places, some in four places and some even in five different places. This is because the notes on each string overlap each other.

•

The A note, played by placing a finger on the 5th fret of the low E string, is the same A note played by plucking the A string. See the figure on the right.

•

The notes following A are the same on both strings. See the diagram

See the next page to learn how the notes on the rest of the strings overlap.

•

•

F#GH

G#AHF G

Same NoteA

3rd 5th

EADGBE

654321

A#BH

C#DH

D#EHA B C D E

A#BH

C#DH

D#EHB C D E

3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th

A

These are the same notes

To figure out the notes on the A string usethe 12 Note Cycle


THE OVERLAPPING NOTES

D to DThe D note, played by placing a finger on the 5th fret of the A string, is the same D note played by plucking the D string.

G to GThe G note, played by placing a finger on the 5th fret of the D string, is the same G note played by plucking the G string.

B to BThe B note, played by placing a finger on the 4th fret of the G string, is the same B note played by plucking the B string.

E to EThe E note, played by placing a finger on the 5th fret of the B string, is the same E note played by plucking the E string.

Same Note

3rd 5th

EADGBE

654321

A#BH

C#DHB C D

Same Note

3rd 5th

EADGBE

654321

D#EH

F#GHE F G

Same Note

3rd 5th

EADGBE

654321

G#AH

A#BHA B

Same Note

3rd 5th

EADGBE

654321

C#DH

D#EHC D E


ALL THE NOTES ON THE GUITAR

You can name all the notes on the guitar

But you don’t need to memorize them. You only need to know the notes on the low E (6th) and A (5th) string so you can play chords and jam up and down the guitar neck. You can learn how in Guitar On the Spot - Using the Code.

Click here to learn more about Guitar On the Spot - Using the Code.

THE OVERLAPPING NOTE PATTERN

With each pair of strings, the note played on the 5th fret of the thicker string is the same as the thinner string played open, except for the 3rd string where the note B is on the 4th fret.

With this information, you can figure out the name of any note on the guitar.

•

•

Summary:

Same NotesADG

BE

3rd 5th

EADGBE

654321

F#GH

G#AH

A#BH

C#DH

D#EH

F#GHF G A B C D E

C#DH

D#EHC D E

3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th 15th 17th 19th

F G#AH

A#BHG A B

A#BH

C#DH

D#EH

F#GHB C D E F G#

AHA#BHG A

F#GHF G#

AHG AB

C#DH

D#EHC D ED#

EHF#GHE F G#

AHA#BHG A B

C#DHC DA#

BH BF#GHF G#

AHG AC#DH

D#EHC D E

F#GHFD#

EH EC#DHC DA#

BH BF#GHF G#

AHG A

A#BH BG#

AHG AF#GHFD#

EH EC#DHC DA#

BH BF#GHF G#

AHG AC#DH

D#EHC D E

G#AH

A#BHA B

EADGBE

654321


Discover The Secret toMaking Up Songs

Step 1


The Secret to Making Up Songs - The Key Concept

CHAPTER

1

THE SECRET - THE KEY CONCEPT

When you make up a SONG,

you mainly play NOTES and CHORDS

that belong to the same KEY.

So you might be wondering, “What’s a note, a chord and a key?” Read on for an explanation.

THE SECRET TO MAKING UP SONGS - THE KEY CONCEPT 27

NOTES

To play a single note:

NotesWhen you play one string on the guitar, you’re playing a note. Each fret on the guitar is one note. Notes are named using some of the letters of the alphabet. There are 12 different notes that repeat over and over again. The pictures below show the note G on the guitar.

The Note GPush down one string right above any fret with one finger. Then pluck that string with a finger of your other hand.

Pluck the string over the sound hole on an acoustic guitar or over the pick-ups in the body of an electric guitar.

•

•

Frets

Nut

Single Note G

See Basics 5 to learn more about the notes on the guitar.


CHORDS

The Chord G MajorYou play chords by reading chord diagrams. See the G Major chord diagram on the right.

There are two main types of chords: Major chords and minor chords.

See Basics 3 to learn how to play chords in three steps.

•

•

0 0Nut

2 1 0 3


Nut

ChordsWhen you play three or more strings on the guitar at once you’re playing a chord. Chords have names like “C Major”, “A minor” or “G Major”.

CHORD PROGRESSIONS

Chord Progression

1st Chord 2nd Chord 4th Chord3rd Chord

2 1 0 0 0 3 0 2 3 0 0 0 X3 2 0 1 0XX0 1 3 2

G Major E minor C MajorD Major

Chord ProgressionsAn easy way for you to start making up your own songs is to play chords one after another in a chord progression. You could play G Major, then D Major, then E minor, then C Major. See Basics 4 to learn more about chord progressions.

So the question is: “How do you know which chords to play to make up songs?”The answer is the Key Concept. Here it is again: “You mainly play chords that belong to the same key.” Read on to learn more about keys.

THE SECRET TO MAKING UP SONGS - THE KEY CONCEPT 29

KEYS

KeysA key is basically a group of notes and chords that go together. Keys have names like “the key of G” or “the key of D”. Songs are played in different keys, which means that they mainly use the notes and chords that belong to that key.

For example, you may have heard titles of classical songs like, Mozart’s Symphony No. 38 in the Key of D. This means that Mozart is mainly using the notes and chords in the key of D for his symphony.

Now notice that I said “mainly”. The idea here is to get started by “mainly” using the notes and chords from one key and then experiment from there.

Just keep in mind, there are no rules. You can play notes and chords from different keys or switch keys in the middle of a song. The key concept is simply a guideline to get you going.

The next page shows you the six main chords in the key of G and the key of C.


KEYS

Chords in the Key of C

C Major D minor E minor F Major G Major A minor

VImVIVIIImIImIX3 2 0 1 0 XX0 2 3 1 0 2 3 0 0 0 XX3 2 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 3 X0 2 3 1 0

Chords in the Key of G

VImVIVIIImIImI

G Major A minor B minor C Major D Major E minor

2 1 0 0 0 3 X0 2 3 1 0 XXX3 2 1 X3 2 0 1 0 XX0 1 3 2 0 2 3 0 0 0

Note: There are 12 keys total. These are only two of them.

You can discover how to create these chord diagrams yourself using a simple code in Guitar On the Spot - Using the Code.


You can make up songs by picking one of these keys and choosing from the six chords in that key

I put a picture of a die above each chord so you can just roll a die to choose from them if you want to. Read on to see an example.


Make Up SongsRight Away

By Rolling a Die

Step 2



1PICK a Keyfor Your Song!

3PLAY YourSong!


Make Up Songs Right Away in Three Steps By Rolling a Die

CHAPTER

2

MAKE UP SONGS RIGHT AWAY IN THREE STEPS BY ROLLING A DIE 33

Example 2.1

Pick a key for your song from Jesse’s Easy Chord Chart on the next page. See the example below.

Remember, the secret to making up songs is to play chords that belong to the same key.


1PICK a Key for Your Song!


Key of G


VImVIVIIImIImI2 1 0 0 0 3 X0 2 3 1 0 XXX3 2 1 X3 2 0 1 0 XX0 1 3 2 0 2 3 0 0 0

The Six Main Chords in Five Major Keys

Key of A

Key of C

Key of D

Key of E

Key of G

A Major B minor D Major E MajorC#/DH minor F#/GH minor


D Major E minor F#/GH minor G Major A Major B minor

E Major F#/GH minor G#/AH minor A Major B Major C#/DH minor


VImVIVIIImIImIX 0 1 2 3 0 X X X 3 2 1 X X 0 1 3 2 0 2 3 1 0 0X X X 3 2 1 X X 3 1 1 1

X 3 2 0 1 0 X X 0 2 3 1 0 2 3 0 0 0 X X 3 2 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 3 X 0 2 3 1 0

X X 0 1 3 2 0 2 3 0 0 0 X X 3 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 3 X 0 1 2 3 0 X X X 3 2 1

0 2 3 1 0 0 X X 3 1 1 1 X X 3 1 1 1 X 0 1 2 3 0 X X X 3 4 1 X X X 3 2 1

2 1 0 0 0 3 X 0 2 3 1 0 X X X 3 2 1 X 3 2 0 1 0 X X 0 1 3 2 0 2 3 0 0 0

2 fr 4 fr

2 fr

4 fr 4 fr

2 fr

For this first example I’m going to pick the key of G because it has the easiest chords to play.

Jesse’s Easy Chord Chart

Pick theKey of G


Jesse’s Easy Chord ChartThe Six Main Chords in Five Major Keys

Key of A

Key of C

Key of D

Key of E

Key of G






VImVIVIIImIImIX0 1 2 3 0 XXX3 2 1 XX0 1 3 2 0 2 3 1 0 0XXX3 2 1 XX3 1 1 1

X3 2 0 1 0 XX0 2 3 1 0 2 3 0 0 0 XX3 2 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 3 X0 2 3 1 0

XX0 1 3 2 0 2 3 0 0 0 XX3 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 3 X0 1 2 3 0 XXX3 2 1

0 2 3 1 0 0 XX3 1 1 1 XX3 1 1 1 X0 1 2 3 0 XXX3 4 1 XXX3 2 1

2 1 0 0 0 3 X0 2 3 1 0 XXX3 2 1 X3 2 0 1 0 XX0 1 3 2 0 2 3 0 0 0

4 fr

4 fr 4 fr


Jesse’s Easy Chord Chart below shows you an easy way to play the six main chords in five popular keys

Example 2.1 - continued

You can discover how to create this chart yourself using a simple code in Guitar On the Spot - Using the Code.



MAKE UP SONGS RIGHT AWAY IN THREE STEPS BY ROLLING A DIE 35

PLAY YourSong! Play Your Song


3

Strum each chord four times and repeat your song as many times as you like.

Roll a die as many times as you want to select chords from the key of G.


Roll a Die to Make Up Your Song


1st Roll 2nd Roll 4th Roll3rd Roll

Roll

LookUp EachChordin theChart

2 1 0 0 0 3 0 2 3 0 0 0 X3 2 0 1 0XX0 1 3 2

IVI VImV




Play

Roll

LookUp EachChordin theChart

2 1 0 0 0 3 0 2 3 0 0 0 X3 2 0 1 0XX0 1 3 2

IVI VImV


One Measure - one unit of time

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

Strum each chord four times


Key of G



This example has four chords.

Play the chords in the order that you rolled the die.




1PICK a Key for Your Song!

3PLAY YourSong!

Play the chords in the order that you rolled the die.

Roll a die as many times as you want to select chords from that key. This worksheet has four chords.2ROLL a Die

to Select Chords from that Key!

Pick a key for your song from Jesse’s Easy Chord Chart. See page 36 for the larger version.

Key of _____

Worksheet 2.1

The Six Main Chords in Five Major Keys

Key of A

Key of C

Key of D

Key of E

Key of G






VImVIVIIImIImIX0 1 2 3 0 XXX3 2 1 XX0 1 3 2 0 2 3 1 0 0XXX3 2 1 XX3 1 1 1

X3 2 0 1 0 XX0 2 3 1 0 2 3 0 0 0 XX3 2 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 3 X0 2 3 1 0

XX0 1 3 2 0 2 3 0 0 0 XX3 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 3 X0 1 2 3 0 XXX3 2 1

0 2 3 1 0 0 XX3 1 1 1 XX3 1 1 1 X0 1 2 3 0 XXX3 4 1 XXX3 2 1

2 1 0 0 0 3 X0 2 3 1 0 XXX3 2 1 X3 2 0 1 0 XX0 1 3 2 0 2 3 0 0 0

4 fr

4 fr 4 fr

Jesse’s Easy Chord Chart

Roll a Die to Make Up Your Song



Roll

Look UpEach Chordand Writeit’s Namein theBlanks

Play Your Song



Play

Roll

To PlayEachChordRefer toJesse’sEasyChordChart

\ \ \\ \ \ \ \\ \ \ \ \\ \ \ \ \\ \

Song Making Tips

Step 3


Tips to Create Emotionsin Your Songs

CHANGE YOUR STRUMMING

1. Change the NUMBER of times you strum each chord.

The following examples are in the key of G.

You can make the same chord progression sound different just by changing your strumming

CHAPTER

3

Ex 3.1 - Change the Number of Strums per Chord

2. Change the VOLUME of your strumming so some chords are louder.

2 1 0 0 0 3 0 2 3 0 0 0 X3 2 0 1 0XX0 1 3 2

IVI VImV


\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

StrummingStrokes

Staff

Beat Count

Strum 4X Strum 4X Strum 2XStrum 2X

Ex 3.2 - Change the Volume of Your Strumming

2 1 0 0 0 3 0 2 3 0 0 0 X3 2 0 1 0XX0 1 3 2

IVI VImV


\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

StrummingStrokes

Staff

Beat Count

Strum LouderStrum Louder

TIPS TO CREATE EMOTIONS IN YOUR SONGS 39

CHANGE YOUR STRUMMING CONTINUED

3. Change the SPEED of your strumming.

Start playing this chord progression slowly and then increase the speed by tapping your foot faster. This is called increasing the tempo.

•

NOW CHANGE THE NUMBER OF CHORDS

Now, change the number of chords in your progression

Play only three chords but continue to strum each chord four times. This chord progression will feel like it keeps rolling along because three is an odd number.

•

Ex 3.3 - Change the Speed of Your Strumming

Speed up as you play

2 1 0 0 0 3 0 2 3 0 0 0 X3 2 0 1 0XX0 1 3 2

IVI VImV


\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \ \ \1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count

Ex 3.4 - Play Only Three Chords

2 1 0 0 0 3 0 2 3 0 0 0XX0 1 3 2

I VImV

G Major E minorD Major

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count


MAJOR CHORDS SOUND HAPPY

Minor chords sound DARK and SAD

Chords IIm, IIIm, and VIm are minor chords. To create a feeling of ANGER, strum a minor chord LOUDLY and to create a feeling of despair strum it softly.

•

MINOR CHORDS SOUND SAD


VImVIVIIImIImI


2 1 0 0 0 3 X0 2 3 1 0 XXX3 2 1 X3 2 0 1 0 XX0 1 3 2 0 2 3 0 0 0


VImVIVIIImIImI


2 1 0 0 0 3 X0 2 3 1 0 XXX3 2 1 X3 2 0 1 0 XX0 1 3 2 0 2 3 0 0 0

Major chords sound BRIGHT and HAPPY

Chords I, IV, and V are Major chords. To create a feeling of HAPPINESS, strum a Major chord LOUDLY and to create a feeling of peace strum it softly.

•

You can create many more feelings by using the chord variations you learn about in Guitar On the Spot II - Expanding the Code.

Click here to learn more about Guitar On the Spot II - Expanding the Code.


MAKE UP A SONG WITH A VERSE AND A CHORUS 41

Make Up a Song With a Verse and a Chorus

MANY SONGS HAVE TWO PARTS

Example 4.1 - Play a Verse and a Chorus

Most songs have two parts with different chord progressions: a verse and a chorus

The lyrics in the verse usually change each time you play it, while the lyrics in the chorus usually stay the same. A common song format is to alternate between the verse and the chorus.

•

CHAPTER

4

Verse

Chorus

Verse

Chorus

Repeat this verse as many times as you like before moving on to the chorus

Repeat this chorus as many times as you like before going back to the verse

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \ \ \

210003 023000 X32010XX0132

XX0132023000

IVI VImV

VVIm


D MajorE minor

E minor D Major


\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \ \ \1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

\ \ \ \ \ \\ \1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

\ \ \ \ \ \\ \


Worksheet 3.1 - Make Up a Verse and a Chorus

MAKE UP A VERSE AND A CHORUS

Just like you did in the previous examples, roll a die to select chords for your own verse and chorus from the key of G


Key of G



Repeat your verse and chorus as many times as you like. You can add more chords to each part if you want to.

•

Verse1. ROLL a Die

2. LOOK Up the Chords

3. PLAY and Repeat Your Verse

1. ROLL a Die

2. LOOK Up the Chords

3. PLAY and Repeat Your Chorus

Chorus

\ \ \\ \ \ \ \\ \ \ \ \\ \ \ \ \\ \

\ \ \\ \ \ \ \\ \



5th Chord 6th Chord

5th Roll 6th Roll

THE SECRET IS IN THE NUMBERS 43

The Secret Is in the Numbers

THE NUMBER SECRET

If you play and compare two chord progressions

with the same numbered chords,

but in different keys,

they will sound relatively the same.

CHAPTER

5


SAME SONG, DIFFERENT KEYS

If you play the chord progression below in different keys, you will notice that it sounds relatively the same

IVI V

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \ \ \

See the example on the next page•

THE SECRET IS IN THE NUMBERS 45

Example 5.2 - Key of C

Example 5.1 - Key of G

SAME SONG, DIFFERENT KEYS

Play and compare this chord progression in the two keys below

Be sure to play Chord V for two measures.

You might notice that they sound relatively the same even though they use different chords. It’s because they have the same roman numerals I-IV-V.

You can discover how to play the same song in any key using a simple code in Guitar On the Spot - Using the Code.


•

•

2 1 0 0 0 3 X3 2 0 1 0 XX0 1 3 2

IVI V

G Major C Major D Major

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \ \ \Strumming

Strokes

Key of G

2 1 0 0 0 3XX3 2 1 1X3 2 0 1 0

IVI V

G MajorF MajorC Major

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \ \ \Strumming

Strokes

Key of C



Song Making Tips

ORGANIZING CHORD PROGRESSIONS

CHAPTER

6

You’ve probably found that you like some chords better than others

There are no rules, but here are a few tips to help you organize the chords in your songs:

Each chord has its own unique sound. A song centered around Chord V will have a totally different sound than one centered around Chord II. Experiment all day long. You’ll develop favorites depending on what kind of sounds you like.

When you get bored of using only six chords you can learn how to switch and mix keys in Guitar On the Spot - The System.

Click here to learn more about Guitar On the Spot - The System.

•

Tips

The most common chords in any key are I, IV, V and VI.

Chord I is the main chord of any key, therefore it is a good chord to start or end your chord progressions on.

Chord IV is versatile and can be used virtually anywhere.

Chord V likes to be played right before Chord I.

Chord VI is another good chord to start or end your chord progressions on. It’s a minor chord, so use it to create a darker sounding song.

Chords II and III have unique minor sounds and are usually used as transitional chords between the other four chords.


MAKE UP A MELODY 47

AN EASY WAY TO MAKE UP A MELODY

Make Up a MelodyCHAPTER

7

A MELODY

A melody is a sequence of single notes

played one after another.

Here’s an easy way to make up a melody

Start by playing a chord progression, but instead of strumming all of the strings at once, play some of the strings in each chord one at a time.

Read on to see an example.


PLAY SINGLE NOTES TO MAKE UP A MELODY

Play single notes by following a picking order

A picking order tells what order to pick the strings in.

You just finger a chord and play some of the strings one at a time. You don’t need to play all of the strings.

The three diagrams below show you a way to depict a picking order.

Use a pick or the fingers of your right hand (if you’re right handed) and play each string in the order specified.

If you’re using a guitar pick, you can pick the strings using all downstrokes, all upstrokes, alternating strokes or anyway that feels comfortable.

•

•

•

•

•

Three Examples of Different Picking Orders

PickingOrder

Play

this

str

ing

1st

Play

this

str

ing

2nd

Play

this

str

ing

3rd

Play

this

str

ing

4th

0 02 1 0 3

3 41 2

G Major

Play

this

str

ing

1st

Play

this

str

ing

2nd

Play

this

str

ing

3rd

Play

this

str

ing

4th

PickingOrder

0 02 1 0 3

3 41 2

G Major

Play

this

str

ing

1st

Play

this

str

ing

2nd

Play

this

str

ing

3rd

and

4th

PickingOrder

0 02 1 0 3

2 134

G Major

You only pick the strings that are numbered in the picking order.•

Example 7.1 Example 7.2 Example 7.3

MAKE UP A MELODY 49

MATCH YOUR PICKING TO THE BEAT COUNT

Match your picking to the beat count

The strumming strokes in the diagram below are now picking strokes. Pick each string as you tap your foot along with the beat count, “1, 2, 3, 4.”

•

There are six strings to choose from in this chord, but only play four of them since there are only four beats per measure in this example.

•

Pick One String Per Beat Count

PickingStrokes

Match your Pickingto the Beat Count

Beat Count

\ \ \ \1 2 3 4

PickingOrder

0 02 1 0 3G Major

3 41 2


PLAY A MELODY

Pick single notes throughout your entire chord progression to play a melody

Play the melodies below by following the picking order for each chord.•

Now make up your own melody.

Example 7.4 - Sample Melody

PickingStrokes

PickingOrder

Beat Count\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

\1 2 3 4 1 2

\3 4

\

0 02 1 0 3

G Major

0 1X X 3 2

D Major

2 0X 3 1 03 00 2 0 0

3 41 2 1 2 3 4 2 31 43 41 2

C MajorE minor

I V IVVIm

Example 7.5 - Sample Melody 2

PickingStrokes

PickingOrder

Beat Count\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

\1 2 3 4 1 2

\3 4

\

0 02 1 0 3

G Major

0 1X X 3 2

D Major

2 0X 3 1 03 00 2 0 0

3 41 2 1 3 4 2 231 43 41 2

C MajorE minor

I V IVVIm

Make Up DifferentTypes of Songs

Step 4


Make Up a Reggae SongCHAPTER

8MAKE UP A REGGAE SONG

Playing reggae is all about the way you strum the strings and your strumming pattern

You only need to know two things:

1. Don’t let the chords ring out, dampen them.Keep each chord from ringing out by muting the strings with the palm of your strumming hand. This makes that “chk” sound you hear in reggae songs.

2. Strum on the off-beats, beats 2 and 4.Tap your foot 1, 2, 3, 4, and only strum on beats 2 and 4. Notice that there are strumming strokes only on beats 2 and 4 in the sample song below.

When I play reggae I usually strum using upstrokes, but you can use either up or downstrokes. Here’s a sample reggae song in the key of G. Be sure to play Chord V for two measures.

Example 8.1 - Reggae Song in the Key of G

G Major C Major D Major

2 1 0 0 0 3 X3 2 0 1 0 XX0 1 3 2

\ \1 2 3 4

\ \ \ \ \ \1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count

I VIV

MAKE UP A ROCK SONG 53

Make Up a Rock SongCHAPTER

9MAKE UP A ROCK SONG

Rock Chord Progressions

Rock is a pretty broad category of music so you can pretty much use any of the six main chords in any key and create a good sounding song.

If you want to create an aggressive darker sounding sound I suggest centering your chord progression around Chord VIm, which is E minor in the key of G below.

When I say “center around” I mean start and/or end on that chord or generally play it the most often.

If you have an electric guitar, you can put your amp on the distortion setting to get an agressive sound. Also, try strumming faster and louder.

Here’s an example using chords in the key of G. Be sure to play Chord VIm for two measures. You can also play Chord V, D Major as a Dominant 7th chord, D7.

•

•

•

•

Example 9.1 - Sample Rock Song in the Key of G

C Major D7E minor

X3 2 0 1 0 XX0 2 1 30 2 3 0 0 0

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count

V7IVVIm

You can create different moods in rock music by using the different codes you learn about in Guitar On the Spot III - Commanding the Code.

Click here to learn more about Guitar On the Spot III - Commanding the Code.



Make Up a Spanish SongCHAPTER

10MAKE UP A SPANISH SONG

Spanish Chord Progressions

The secret to playing spanish sounding songs is to play Chord IIIm as a Major chord in-stead of a minor chord. So in the key of C, Chord IIIm is E minor, so play E Major instead.

Example 10.1 - Spanish Song in the Key of C

0 2 3 1 0 0 0 2 3 1 0 0XX3 2 1 1X0 2 3 1 0

VIm IVIII III

E Major E MajorF MajorA minor

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count

To really give your song that spanish flavor, strum downwards slowly so you hear each string played individually then upwards the same way. You can learn how to play any chord as a Major or minor chord in Guitar On the Spot - The System. Click here to learn more about Guitar On the Spot - The System.

•

Spanish Chords in the Key of C

C Major D minor E Major F Major G Major A minor

VImVIVIIIIImIX3 2 0 1 0 XX0 2 3 1 0 2 3 1 0 0 XX3 2 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 3 X0 2 3 1 0


MAKE UP A JAZZ SONG 55

Make Up a Jazz SongCHAPTER

11JAZZ CHORD PROGRESSIONS

Jazz Chord Progressions

A standard jazz chord progression uses the IIm, V and I chords of any key.

Standard Jazz Progression

IIm V I

Another Jazz Progression

IIm VI VIm

Another jazzy chord progression that I like uses the I, VIm, IIm and V chords of any key. Read on to see these examples in the key of G.

Jazz Strumming Tips

When you play the next examples, instead of strumming the strings, pluck some of the strings with your fingers at the same time to really give your song that jazz flavor.

The more advanced way of plucking is to pluck the lowest string in the chord first with your thumb, then pluck the higher strings all at once with your other fingers.


MAKE UP A JAZZ SONG

Here are these examples in the key of G

Example 11.1 - Standard Jazz Progression in G

X0 2 3 1 0 XX0 1 3 2 2 1 0 0 0 3

IIm V I

G MajorA minor D Major

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count

Example 11.2 - Another Jazz Progression in G

X0 2 3 1 0 XX0 1 3 22 1 0 0 0 3

IIm VI VIm

G Major A minor D MajorE minor

0 2 3 0 0 0

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count


VImVIVIIImIImI


2 1 0 0 0 3 X0 2 3 1 0 XXX3 2 1 X3 2 0 1 0 XX0 1 3 2 0 2 3 0 0 0

MAKE UP A JAZZ SONG 57

MAKE UP A JAZZ SONG

Now use these jazzy chords in the key of G instead

Example 11.3 - Standard Jazz Progression in G

X0 2 0 1 0 XX0 2 1 3 2 1 0 0 4 3

IIm7 V7 Imaj7

Gmaj7Am7 D7

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count

Example 11.4 - Another Jazz Progression in G

X0 2 0 1 0 XX0 2 1 32 1 0 0 4 3

IIm7 V7Imaj7 VIm7

Gmaj7 Am7 D7Em7

0 2 0 0 0 0

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count

Jazz Chords in the Key of G

VIm7V7IVmaj7IIIm7IIm7Imaj7

Gmaj7(G Major 7)

Am7(A minor 7)

Bm7(B minor 7)

Cmaj7(C Major 7)

D7(D Dominant 7)

Em7(E minor 7)

2 1 0 0 4 3 X0 2 0 1 0 X1 4 2 3X X 3 2 0 0 0 XX0 2 1 3 0 2 0 0 0 0

You can find out how to create these chords in Guitar On the Spot II. - Expanding the Code. Click here to learn more about Guitar On the Spot II - Expanding the Code.




12 Bar Blues

Make Up a Blues Song

BLUES CHORD PROGRESSIONS

Blues Chord Progressions

A standard blues chord progression uses the I, IV, and V chords of any key. See the next page for an example in the key of G.

CHAPTER

12

V VIV I

IIV

I

MAKE UP A BLUES SONG 59

BLUES CHORD PROGRESSION

Example 12.1 - 12 Bar Blues in the Key of G

X3 2 0 1 0

X3 2 0 1 0XX0 1 3 2 XX0 1 3 2

2 1 0 0 0 3

2 1 0 0 0 3

2 1 0 0 0 3

V V

I

I

I

IV

IV

G Major

G Major

G Major

C Major

C MajorD Major D Major

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count

Blues in the Key of G

This example has an advanced strumming pattern that sounds something like this: “bump-ba-bump-ba-bump-ba-bump-ba”, but just strum it normally at first. Be sure to continue to play each chord until you get to the next one.


BLUES CHORD PROGRESSION 2

Example 12.2 - 12 Bar Blues Format 2

2 1 0 0 0 3

2 1 0 0 0 3

2 1 0 0 0 3

X3 2 0 1 0

X3 2 0 1 0

2 1 0 0 0 3X3 2 0 1 0

XX0 1 3 2 XX0 1 3 2

V V

I

I

I

IV

IV

IIV

G Major

G Major

G Major

C Major

C Major

G MajorC Major

D Major D Major

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count

Here’s another blues chord progression format

You just play Chord IV for the second measure. Everything else is the same. Here’s an example in the key of G:

MAKE UP A BLUES SONG 61

Try these bluesy sounding chords

Use the blues chords in the key of G below. See the next page for an example using these chords.

•

TRY THESE BLUESY CHORDS

Blues Chords in the Key of G

VIm7V7IV7IIIm7IIm7I7

G7(G Dominant 7)

Am7(A minor 7)

Bm7(B minor 7)

C7(C Dominant 7)

D7(D Dominant 7)

Em7(E minor 7)

3 2 0 0 0 1 X0 2 0 1 0 X1 4 2 3X X 3 2 4 1 0 XX0 2 1 3 0 2 0 0 0 0

You can find out where these chords come from and how to make up blues solos in Guitar On the Spot II. - Expanding the Code.

Click here to learn more about Guitar On the Spot II - Expanding the Code.



BLUESY SOUNDING CHORD PROGRESSION

Example 12.3 - 12 Bar Blues with Bluesy Chords

X3 2 4 1 0

X3 2 4 1 0XX0 2 1 3 XX0 2 1 3

3 2 0 0 0 1

3 2 0 0 0 1

3 2 0 0 0 1

V7 V7

I7

I7

I7

IV7

IV7

G7

G7

G7

C7

C7D7 D7

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count

StrummingStrokes

Beat Count

Here’s blues chord progression using the bluesy sounding chords in the key of G

Make Up Solos OnLead Guitar

Step 5


PICK A KEY

How To Jam With Other People

CHAPTER

13HOW TO JAM WITH OTHER PEOPLE

1PICK a Key for Your Jam!

3LEAD Person Plays Any Notes From that Key!

2RHYTHMPerson Strums Any Chords From That Key!

KEY OF A

Pick a key for your jam from the five popular keys on the next three pages.For this example, let’s pick the key of C.

1PICK a Key for Your Jam!

Chords in the Key of A

Note Pattern in the Key of A

RHYTHM Guitarist plays any of these chords

LEAD Guitarist plays any of these notes


X0 1 2 3 0 XXX3 2 1 XX0 1 3 2 0 2 3 1 0 0XXX3 2 1 XX3 1 1 1

4 fr


EADGBE

654321

HOW TO JAM WITH OTHER PEOPLE 65

KEY OF C


Note Pattern in the Key of C




X3 2 0 1 0 XX0 2 3 1 0 2 3 0 0 0 XX3 2 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 3 X0 2 3 1 0


EADGBE

654321

KEY OF D

Chords in the Key of D

Note Pattern in the Key of D




XX0 1 3 2 0 2 3 0 0 0 XX3 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 3 X0 1 2 3 0 XXX3 2 1


EADGBE

654321


KEY OF G


Note Pattern in the Key of G




2 1 0 0 0 3 X0 2 3 1 0 XXX3 2 1 X3 2 0 1 0 XX0 1 3 2 0 2 3 0 0 0


EADGBE

6

Play string open (with nofingers down) for these notes

54321

KEY OF E

Chords in the Key of E

Note Pattern in the Key of E




0 2 3 1 0 0 XX3 1 1 1 XX3 1 1 1 X0 1 2 3 0 XXX3 4 1 XXX3 2 1

4 fr 4 fr


EADGBE

654321

HOW TO JAM WITH OTHER PEOPLE 67

HOW TO JAM WITH OTHER PEOPLE

Once you pick a key for your jam, the person playing rhythm guitar can just strum any chords from that key in any order. If you don’t have another person to play with you can just record yourself playing a rhythm part and then play along with it.

If you find yourself getting stuck always playing the same chords, try rolling a die to choose the next chord.

2RHYTHM Person Strums Any Chords From That Key!

Rhtyhm Person Strums Any Chords

20X3 10

C Major

0021 03

G Major

23X0 10

A minor

32XX 11

F Major1st Chord 2nd Chord 4th Chord3rd Chord

StrumanyChordsin theKeyof C



X3 2 0 1 0 XX0 2 3 1 0 2 3 0 0 0 XX3 2 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 3 X0 2 3 1 0


Note Pattern in the Key of C

HOW TO JAM WITH OTHER PEOPLE

Make up a solo as you play along with the back-up song by playing any notes in the solo pattern. As the rhythm person plays chords from the key of C (step 2), the lead person plays notes from the key of C note pattern. See below to learn how to play the note pattern.

3LEAD Person Plays Any Notes From that Key!

To play the 1st note, place the index finger of your left hand (if you’re right handed) on the thickest string (the low E string, string 6) just behind (to the immediate left of) the 5th fret (frets are the metal ridges in the guitar neck) and pluck that string with the thumb of your right hand. You can also use a pick instead of your thumb.

To play the 2nd note, place your pinky finger just behind the 8th fret on the thickest string (the low E string, string 6) and pluck that string.

To play the 3rd note, place your index finger just behind the 5th fret on the second thickest string (the A string, string 5) and pluck that string.

To play the 4th note, place your ring finger just behind the 7th fret on the second thickest string (the A string, string 5) and pluck that string. To play the rest of the notes just follow the diagram. Then play the notes in the reverse order. Once you get comfortable playing the notes forward and backward in order, then you can skip around.

If you really want to make up mind-blowing solos, I recommend learning the code I teach in you in Guitar On the Spot - Using the Code. Click here to learn more about Guitar On the Spot - Using the Code.


EADGBE

654321

Inde

xFi

nger

Play 1st Play 2ndPlay 3rd Play 4thPlay 5th Play 6thPlay 7th Play 8thPlay 9th Play 10th

Play 11th Play 12th

Rin

gFi

nger

Fingers

} Pin

ky

FretNumbers



MAKE UP SOLOS ON LEAD GUITAR 69

Make Up Solos OnLead Guitar

CHAPTER

14

MAKE UP GUITAR SOLOS IN ANY KEY

1CREATE a Back-Up Song in Any Key!

3MAKE UP a Solo!

2ANCHORthe Super Simple Solo Pattern!

MAKE UP SOLOS IN ANY KEY

Now it’s time to learn how to solo in any key

In the last chapter on jamming you might have noticed that the note pattern you used to play lead always looked the same it was just in a different location on the neck. To solo in different keys you just move the super simple solo pattern to different locations on the guitar neck. It’s easy. You just need to know the names of the notes on the low E string.

If you want to solo in the key of C, you just anchor the super simple solo pattern on the note C.

If you want to solo in the key of D, you just anchor the super simple solo pattern on the note D.

Check out the example.

Here are the three steps to make up solos in any key:



Create and record a back-up song in any key like you did in Chapter 2. If you don’t have the means to record a back-up song you can solo along with any song. Click here to go to a page on my website that shows you how.

Here’s a song in the key of C using chords from Jesse’s Easy Chord Chart. Record this song on a tape or have a friend play it so you can solo along.

Create a Back-Up Song to Solo Over

20X3 10

C Major

0021 03

G Major

23X0 10

A minor

32XX 11



Roll

Play

LookUp EachChord InJesse’sEasyChordChart

I V IVVIm


Example 14.2

http://www.guitar-on-the-spot.com/play-along-with-any-song-on-guitar.html

MAKE UP SOLOS ON LEAD GUITAR 71

2ANCHOR the Super Simple Solo Pattern!

Super Simple Solo Pattern

R

Inde

xFi

nger

Play 1st Play 2ndPlay 3rd Play 4thPlay 5th Play 6thPlay 7th Play 8thPlay 9th Play 10th

Play 11th Play 12th

Rin

gFi

nger

Pin

ky

R

Vertical Horizontal

=R

RootNote

Anchor Note R on the Root Note

R

F#GH

G#AH

A#BHF G B C


EADGBE

654321

R

AnchorNote R on C

Solo Pattern


Play each note one at a time

Solo Pattern


The super simple solo pattern that you learned in the previous example is actually a movable pattern that you can use to solo in any key.

You just move it up or down the guitar neck to the correct location depending on the key.

Solo patterns can be drawn vertically or horizontally. See the top diagram.

Every solo pattern has a root note, R.

Whatever note you anchor note R on, is the key that you’re soloing in.

In this example the back-up song is in the key of C. So anchor note R of the super simple solo pattern on the note C.

Solo Patternin the Key of C



Make up a solo as you play along with the back-up song by playing any notes in the solo pattern.

3MAKE UP a Solo!

Make Up a Solo Over Your Back-Up Song

2 0X 3 1 0

C Major

0 02 1 0 3

G Major

2 3X 0 1 0

A minor

3 2X X 1 1

F Major



I V IVVIm

RC


EADGBE

654321

Back-Up Songin theKey of C

SoloPatternin theKey of C

Solo Patternin the Key of C


This chapter is just an introduction to soloing. There are four other solo patterns, (you’ll learn them in the next chapter) but this one is the easiest to play.

For more information see Guitar On the Spot - Using the Code.



MAKE UP SOLOS UP AND DOWN THE GUITAR NECK IN THREE STEPS 73

Make Up Solos Up and Down the Guitar Neck

CHAPTER

15THE MAJOR PENTATONIC SCALE

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

Pattern 1

Pattern 2

Pattern 3

Pattern 4

Pattern 5

The solo pattern you used in the last chapter is just one pattern of what’s called the Major Pentatonic Scale. Scales are 12 frets long and repeat themselves. The Major Pentatonic Scale can be divided into 5 Patterns and numbered 1 thru 5 for reference. Notice that the notes in each pattern overlap.

The Major Pentatonic Scale


MAKE UP SOLOS UP AND DOWN THE GUITAR

Once you’ve anchored Pattern 5, you can branch off into all the other patterns. Remember the notes in each pattern overlap. You can play any notes in this scale over your back-up song and they will sound good.


3MAKE UP a Solo!

2ANCHOR a Scale Patternon the Root Note of that Key!

Anchor note R of the scale pattern on the root note of that key.

Anchor note R of Pattern 5 of the Major Pentatonic scale on note C because the back-up song is in the key of C.

Create a Back-Up Song

20X3 10

C Major

0021 03

G Major

23X0 10

A minor

32XX 11



Roll

Play

LookUp EachChord InJesse’sEasyChordChart

I V IVVIm

Anchor Note R on the Root Note

R

F#GH

G#AH

A#BHF G B C


EADGBE

654321

R

R

R

R

R

AnchorNote R on C

Major PentatonicScale Pattern 5

C MajorPentatonic Scale

C MajorPentatonic Scale

Solo Up and Down the Neck

Follow the steps in Chapter 2 to create a back-up song and record it. This example is in the key of C.

R


EADGBE

654321 R

R

RR

R R

R

C

Make Up RiffsOn Guitar

Step 6


Make Up Riffs On GuitarCHAPTER

16

MAKE UP GUITAR RIFFS IN THE KEY OF G

1CREATE a Chord Progression in the Key of G!

3MAKE UP Riffs!

2DISCOVERthe Super Simple Solo Pattern!

MAKE UP RIFFS

Add more variety to your songs by playing riffs

To make up riffs, you just play parts of chords and mix in notes from the super simple solo patten. The Key of G is the easiest key to start making up riffs in so that’s the key we’ll use in this example. You could make an entire album just by using the chords in the Key of G and this super simple solo pattern. It’s that easy.

If you want to make up riffs anywhere on the guitar neck in any key you just use the code that you learn in Guitar On the Spot - Using the Code.


Note: This chapter is almost the exact same as the first half of the previous chapter.

To make up riffs in the key of G just follow three simple steps:


MAKE UP RIFFS ON GUITAR 77

MAKE UP RIFFS IN THE KEY OF G

1CREATE a Chord Progression in the Key of G!

2DISCOVER the Super Simple Solo Pattern!

To make up riffs in the key of G learn the super simple solo pattern on the right.

When you first play this pattern, play the notes one at a time in the order shown in the diagram on the far right. Use the specified finger for each note. To play the notes along the top of the diagram you just play the string by itself (as an open string without any fingers on it).

Create a Back-Up Song

0 02 1 0 3

G Major

0 1X X 3 2

D Major

2 0X 3 1 03 00 2 0 0

C MajorE minor


1st Roll 2nd Roll 4th Roll3rd RollLookUp EachChordin the Key of GinJesse’sEasyChordChart

Rolla Die

I V IVVIm

Solo Pattern in the Key of G

E A D G B E

3rd

Solo Patternin the Key of G

Create a chord progression in the key of G just like you did in Chapter 2.

Just follow the steps in the example on the

3rd

Play 2nd

Play 4th

Play 6th

Play 8th

Play 10th

Play 12th

Play 1st

Play 3rd

Play 5th

Play 7th

Play 9th

Play 11th

PlayOpenString

IndexFingerMiddleFinger

Play each note one at a time

So to play the first note, just pluck the low E string by itself. To play the second note, place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string and pluck that string. To play the third note, pluck the A string by itself. To play the fourth note, place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string and pluck that string. To play the rest of the notes just follow the diagram. Then try playing the notes in the reverse order. Once you get comfortable playing the notes in order, then you can skip around as long as you only play the notes in this pattern.

Example 16.1

right.


MAKE UP RIFFS IN THE KEY OF G

First make up riffsby alternating between strumming each chord and soloing like you did in the previous chapter.

In other words, strum the first chord once or twice, then solo by playing any notes in the solo pattern. Do the same thing for the second, third and fourth chords.

Once you’ve gotten the alternating down then just play parts of each chord, like only two strings at once. And then mix in individual notes from the solo pattern between playing the chord parts. See the example on the right.

You can play any notes in each chord or in the solo pattern.

3MAKE UP Riffs!

Alternate

E A D G B E

3rd

E A D G B E

3rd

E A D G B E

3rd

E A D G B E

3rd

0 02 1 0 3

G Major SoloPattern

SoloPattern

SoloPattern

SoloPattern

0 1X X 3 2

D Major

2 0X 3 1 03 00 2 0 0

C MajorE minor

Strum Solo Strum Solo Strum Solo Strum Solo

I V IVVIm

Alternate between strumming and soloing


Make Up Riffs

1st

2nd

1st

2nd1st

3rd

2ndX X2 1 X X

G Major SoloPattern

SoloPattern

SoloPattern

SoloPattern

X 1X X 3 X

D Major

2 0X X 1 X3 X0 2 X X

C MajorE minor

} } } }Strumthese twostringstwice

Play these notes one after the other. The 1st note is an open string

Strumthese twostringstwice

Play these notes one after the other

Play this note once

Strum these threestringsonce

Strum these three stringsthree times

Play these three notes one after the other

Play parts of chords then notes from the Solo Pattern

You could make an entire album just by using the chords in the Key of G and this super simple solo pattern. It’s that easy.

You can make up riffs up and down the guitar neck using the code that you learn in Guitar On the Spot - Using the Code.



Appendix


How to Tune Your Guitar

HOW TO TUNE A GUITAR

Using a Guitar TunerUsing a guitar tuner is the easiest way to tune your guitar. It’s a little electronic device that you can buy at the music store.

Set the switch on your guitar tuner to the low E string. Pluck that string and turn the tuning peg so that the needle on the guitar tuner goes to the middle of the meter. On some tuners there is a light that turns green. Do the same process to tune the rest of the strings. On some tuners you need to change the switch for each string.

•

•

Using a Pitch PipeIf a tuner doesn’t fit in your budget, buy a pitch pipe. A pitch pipe is like a harmonica, except it only has six notes, one for each string on the guitar.

Blow into the low E note on the pitch pipe and at the same time play the low E string on your guitar. If the string is out of tune with the pitch pipe you will hear a subtle “wah wah wah” sound.

Try to eliminate the “wah wah wah” sound by turning the tuning peg of the E string either clockwise or counterclockwise. The “wah wah wah” sound slows down as you get closer to being in tune. It may take a little practice to be able to hear the changes in the “wah wah wah” sound.

•

•

•

APPENDIX

A

The thickest string is tuned to the note E, the lowest note on the guitar.

The next string is tuned to the note A, then D, G, B and the thinnest string is tuned to the note E again, but two octaves higher than the low E string.

•

•

Each string is tuned to a note

DG

EA

BE

43

65

21

ThickestString

ThinnestString

HOW TO TUNE YOUR GUITAR 81

HOW TO TUNE A GUITAR BASED ON ONE STRING

If you can get at least one string in tune, you can tune the rest of the strings

1 Tune the low E string using a tuning fork, a pitch pipe, piano or another guitar by playing the E note on one of those devices while plucking the low E string at the same time.

Listen for a “wah wah wah” sound and adjust the E string tuning peg to eliminate the sound. The “wah wah wah” sound slows down as you get closer to being in tune.

2 Play the A note on the 5th fret of the low E string and at the same time pluck the A string. These are the same notes.

Listen for the “wah wah wah” sound and adjust the A string tuning peg to eliminate the sound.

3 Tune each string using the previous string. With almost every pair of strings, the note on the 5th fret is the same note as the next string. The only exception is the 3rd string where the note B is on the 4th fret.

See the diagram on the right.

Tune the A string using the A note on the 5th fret of the low E string

Tune the low E string to a device such as a tuning fork or a piano

Tune each string using the previous string

5th3rd

DG

EA

BE

43

65

21

5th3rd

DG

EA

BE

43

65

21

A

5th3rd

DG

EA

BE

43

65

21

ADG

EB


This book is dedicated to my mom and editor, Joyce Hunt. You wouldn’t be reading it if it weren’t for her. Without her motivation and expertise I would’ve never finished. Thanks Mom!

I would also like to thank my dad, Bill Hunt for his support, patience andguidance along the way and my two sisters Malia Kakos and Makena Hunt for their editing expertise.

Thanks to Charles Gerstner for his help with designing the Guitar on the Spot logo.

A special thanks to Matt Meyer, the best guitarist I’ve ever met, who convinced me to start playing the guitar.

Thanks to Jesse Aukeman who lent me his guitar for 6 months so I could get started without buying one at first.

Thanks to Jadranko Brkic for his deep analysis of this book.

Thanks also to Dr. Jon for making sure this made sense, Andrew for testing out the product, Tamarie Wilderman, Mike Brunet, Dave Zell, Jeff Flowers, Dave Wang, Myka and Santiago for their editing help and input.

And everyone else who pointed me in the right direction. Thank you!

Jesse

Dedication & Acknowledgments

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 83

About the Author

Jesse Hunt grew up playing the piano and saxophone but all he could do was play other people’s songs. What he really wanted to do was make up his own songs, he just didn’t know how. Eventually he quit both instruments out of frustration.

It wasn’t until later in life that he was inspired to play the guitar. He learned some chords and some songs but was again faced with the same problem, “How to make up his own songs?” He bought tons of guitar books and waded through pages and pages before he finally understood the Key Concept. Then it all made sense.

Now he makes up his own songs and experiments all he wants. He wrote Guitar On the Spot - The Song Making System to simplify all of the information that he had learned so anyone could make up their own songs on the guitar.

guitar on the spot free

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