Getting started
The Grip Chord Concept
A grip chord is a moveable chord, where the root is on either the 5th or 6th string.
Notice how frets 0, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 12 all have natural notes on them, on both strings. Frets 1 and 2 will be different.
Types of grip chords
- E and A shape bar chords pp. 2–3
- Major 3rd: major or major7 quality chords pp. 4–5
- Minor 3rd: chords with a minor 3rd pp. 7–10
- Dominant 7th chords pp. 11–14
Finding the chord
- Decide which string root you want to play the chord on.
- Find the chord type (1–4), and go to the designated pages.
Each chord diagram has a page and a reference symbol. Example: 4C is the 3rd (A, B, C) chord diagram listed on page 4.
Reading a grip diagram
4C
ma7(♯11)
- 4C is the reference symbol, and ma7(♯11) the chord type, as printed in the book.
- The low E string is on the left. A number beside the top fret tells you where on the neck the grip sits.
- The number in each dot is the finger: 1 pointer, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 pinky. A long dot is one finger laid across several strings.
- The row under the strings is the chord's theory: each string's note counted from the root, 1. × means the string isn't played.
- Under the diagram is the chord it makes where the book draws it. On any page, pick a root to move every grip there, and press ▶ to hear it.
Find a grip
Choose the root, the string to play it on, and the chord type. Every grip that fits is drawn on that root, with a link to its page.
Root
1. String for the root
2. Chord type
8 grips: Cma7, Cma9, C6, Cma7(♯5), Cma7(6), C6/9, C6/9(♯11)
5A
ma7
5B
ma7
5C
ma9
5D
6
5E
ma7(♯5)
5F
ma7(6)
5G
6/9
5H
6/9(♯11)