9. The 7 Diatonic Chords - A String

The A String

• This is the A string of a guitar with all the notes labeled.

The C Major Scale

• This is the C major scale on a piano with all seven notes labeled.

The C Major Scale on the A String

• This is the C major scale on the A string of a guitar.

Major Chords

• Highlight notes 1, 4 and 5 in red because these are the notes that correspond with the root notes of the major chords.

• This is the A string major chord shape.

C Major Chord

Find the root note C on the A string, then use the A string major chord shape to play the C major chord.

F Major Chord

Find the root note F on the A string, then use the A string major chord shape to play the F major chord.

G Major Chord

Find the root note G on the A string, then use the A string major chord shape to play the G major chord.

Use Major Chords

Now, let's use all three of the major chords we've learned to play a section of "What I Like About You" by The Romantics.

Strumming pattern:

____________C__G__C__F

What I like about you,

________C__G__C__F

you hold me tight

Minor Chords

• Highlight notes 2, 3 and 6 in blue because these are the notes that correspond with the root notes of the minor chords.

• This is the A string minor chord shape.

D Minor Chord

• Find the root note D on the A string, then use the A string minor chord shape to play the D minor chord.

E Minor Chord

• Find the root note E on the A string, then use the A string minor chord shape to play the E minor chord.

A Minor Chord

• Find the root note A on the A string, then use the A string minor chord shape to play the A minor chord.

• On a guitar fretboard the same notes repeat an octave higher when you go 12 frets to the right.
• Play the A minor chord an octave higher.

Use Major + Minor Chords

• Now, let's use the minor chords we've learned in addition to the major chords to play a section of "Let it Be" by the Beatles. Just strum once per chord.

_____C_________G_________Am______F

When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me

Diminished Chord

• Highlight the note 7 because this note corresponds with the root note of the diminished chord.

• This is the A string diminished chord shape.

B Diminished Chord

• Find the root note B on the A string, then use the A string diminished chord shape to play the B diminished chord.

Use Major + Minor + Diminished Chords

• Now, let's use the diminished chord we've learned in addition to the major and minor chords to play a section of "This Love" by Maroon 5. Just strum once per chord.

Em_____________A

I was so high I did not recognize

___________Dm__________________Bdim

the fire burning in her eyes, the chaos that controlled my mind

Use the 7 Diatonic Chords on the A String to Create

• Use the 7 diatonic chords on the A string to create a four-chord progression. For example, you can modify the 1-6-4-5 progression by swapping out a chord to build a new progression.

Test

• Play the 7 diatonic chords in the key of C on the A string

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Summary

• This chapter introduces the A string of the guitar and the C major scale notes on it.
• It teaches how to play major, minor, and diminished chords using specific A string chord shapes.
• Major chords correspond to notes 1, 4, and 5 (C, F, G) in the C major scale.
• Minor chords correspond to notes 2, 3, and 6 (D, E, A).
• The diminished chord corresponds to note 7 (B).
• By memorizing these three A string shapes, all seven diatonic chords in the key of C can be played from a root on the A string.
• In Chapter 26, I'll show you how to play these seven diatonic chords in all 12 keys.
  • 3 Chord Shapes → 7 Diatonic Chords × 12 Keys = 84 Chords
• The concept of notes repeating an octave higher after 12 frets is reinforced.
• The chapter summarizes that there are three types of diatonic chords (major, minor, diminished) and that each has a corresponding A string shape.

Goal Achieved

You have successfully learned to identify, form, and play all seven diatonic chords in the key of C major using three fundamental A string chord shapes.

What's Next?

Continue expanding your guitar chord mastery! Next chapter focuses on the D string, teaching you how to locate the notes of the C major scale and, most importantly, how to play all seven diatonic chords using just three new, distinct chord shapes rooted on this string. You'll solidify your understanding of major, minor, and diminished chord forms, apply them to well-known song excerpts, and practice creating your own unique chord progressions. Get ready to unlock even more versatility in your guitar playing!