Guitar On The Spot Free

Guitar ...On the Spot!
Free E-Book
Make Up Songs On the Guitar ...On the Spot!
p U s g a in is s ie ak s a D M ng sy a So Ea ling ol
Jesse Hunt
Copyright 1997-2005 On the Spot Publishing All Rights Reserved
Guitar ...On the Spot!

Free E-Book
Jesse Hunt
Copyright 1997-2005 On the Spot Publishing All Rights Reserved
Guitar On the Spot - The System Overview

This e-book is a free introduction to the guitar. If yould 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. Click here to learn more about Guitar On the Spot - The System.
Guitar On the Spot Using the Code
Guitar On the Spot II Expanding the Code
Guitar On the Spot III Commanding the Code
INTRODUCTION
Introduction - Part I
Dear Friend, Congratulations! Youve taken your first step towards making your guitar playing career a reality! Get ready to make up songs right now. Even if youre a complete beginner. Its as easy as rolling dice! The secret is knowing the Key Concept. You just follow three simple steps:
1 PICK
MAKE UP SONGS BY ROLLING A DIE
a Key for Your Song!
2 ROLL
a Die to Select Chords from that Key!
3 PLAY
Song!
Your
You can play guitar and make up songs right away without having to read a ton of stuff first. Just roll the die! Its an Endless Song Making Machine! You You You You dont dont dont dont need need need need to take years of lessons to read musical notes a good ear any guitar experience
In Guitar On the Spot youll discover how to: 4 Play guitar right away Make up songs right away by rolling a die Make up solos off the top of your head Create emotions in your songs Create melodies that you can sing
GUITAR ON THE SPOT - FREE E-BOOK - MAKE UP SONGS
Youll also find out how to make up your own: Reggae Songs Rock Songs Spanish Songs Jazz Songs Blues Songs
If youve got the ambition to play guitar, but youre 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. Thats when I knew I had to share this with you! Because theres 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 youre always making stuff up off the top of your head! After you start making up your own songs youll realize that The song youve been dying to hear is the 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 its 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. Its really easy. Note: If youre 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 wont 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.
INTRODUCTION
Heres an overview of the 5 steps that you can follow to get started right away: Step 1 - Discover the Secret to Making Up Songs First 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 Die Make up your own songs right away by rolling a die. Step 3 - Song Making Tips Then 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 Songs Discover how to make up different types of songs including reggae, rock, spanish, jazz and blues songs. Step 5 - Make Up Solos On Lead Guitar Then youre ready to make up solos on lead guitar. Youll 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 Guitar Make 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 its exactly what I wish I had in my hands when I first started playing. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way, but you dont 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 guitaronthespot@hotmail. com. Id love to hear from you.

CONTENTS
Guitar On the Spot - The System - Overview Introduction - Note from Jesse 3 4
Guitar On the Spot - Free E-Book
Start Here If Youre A Complete Beginner

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

STEP 1 DISCOVER THE SECRET TO MAKING UP SONGS Chapter 1 - The Secret to Making Up Songs - The Key Concept 26
STEP 2 MAKE UP SONGS RIGHT AWAY BY ROLLING A DIE Chapter 2 - Make Up Songs Right Away in Three Steps by Rolling a Die 32
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STEP 3 SONG MAKING TIPS Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter 3 4 5 6 7 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 Make Up a Melody 38 41 43 46 47
STEP 4 MAKE UP DIFFERENT TYPES OF SONGS Chapter 8 - Make Up a Reggae Song Chapter 9 - Make Up a Rock Song Chapter 10 - Make Up a Spanish Song Chapter 11 - Make Up a Jazz Song Chapter 12 - Make Up a Blues Song 52 53 54 55 58
STEP 5 MAKE UP SOLOS ON LEAD GUITAR Chapter 13 - How to Jam With Other People Chapter 14 - Make Up Solos on Lead Guitar Chapter 15 - Make Up Solos Up And Down the Guitar Neck STEP 6 MAKE UP RIFFS ON GUITAR Chapter 16 - Make Up Riffs On Guitar 76 64 67 73
APPENDIX Appendix A - How to Tune Your Guitar 80
Guitar Basics
BASICS
Parts of the Guitar

STEEL STRING ACOUSTIC GUITAR
Headstock
Body
Sound Hole Fretboard
Nut
Fret Neck Markers
Frets
Tuning Pegs
Bridge Pick Guard

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. 10
ELECTRIC GUITAR
Nut Tuning Pegs Body Bridge Pick-ups Fretboard Headstock
Neck
Whammy Bar Output Socket Pick-up Selector Volume & Tone Controls
Fret Markers
Frets
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 the front 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 tone control 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.
PARTS OF THE GUITAR
11
BASICS
How to Hold and Strum a Guitar

SITTING
There are right-handed and left-handed guitars. These pictures show righthanded playing. Rest your inner right elbow on the edge of the guitar body as a stabilizer for your arm. 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.
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.
12
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
You can use a guitar pick instead of your fingernails
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
HOW TO HOLD AND STRUM A GUITAR
13
BASICS
How to Play Chords in Three Steps

NOTES
Each fret on the guitar is one note

To play a single note: Push 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.
The Note G
Nut Frets
Single Note G
CHORDS
Three or more different notes played at once is a chord
You 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. 14
The Chord G Major

210003 Nut
Nut
chord diagram
G Major
HOW TO PLAY CHORDS
LOOK AT the numbers on the top of

G Major Chord
210003 Nut Nut
the chord diagram
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.
chord diagram
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.
2 LOOK AT
123 4
the Fingering Key

Each finger is represented by a number in the Fingering Key. You use the corresponding finger on each string. A string that doesnt 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 dont strum that string.
Fingering Key
0 Strum Without Fingers X Do Not Strum
3 PUT
your fingers in the right spots and strum the chord
G Major
210003
Fingering Key
G Major
123
G Major
0 Strum Without Fingers X Do Not Strum
=
15
HOW TO PLAY CHORDS IN THREE STEPS
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
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

210003
XX0 1 3 2
Open Strings
Don't strum
G Major
D Major
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 youre only pushing down three strings. The D Major chord (above right) has two Xs and one 0. Remember, dont strum the strings with the Xs, but do strum the string with a 0. When you play D Major, you only strum four strings.
16
HOW TO PLAY BAR CHORDS

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.
G Major Bar Chord

134211
Bar Chord Symbol
Index finger pushes down all strings
G Major
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 youll 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.
Alternate Fingering
3 fr
Fret Number
An Alternate Fingering
X12341 (X 1 3 3 3 X )
Alternate Fingering
B Major
HOW TO PLAY CHORDS IN THREE STEPS
(
17
BASICS
You Can Make Up Songs Using Chord Progressions

CHORD PROGRESSIONS
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

210003 XX 0 1 3 2 023000 X3 2 0 1 0
Staff Strumming Strokes Beat Count
G Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
D Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
E minor
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
C Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
One Measure - one unit of time
Strum each chord four times
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.
18
BASICS
All You Need To Know About the Notes On the Guitar

THE 12 NOTE CYCLE
There are 12 Repeating Notes:

A
A# BH
C# DH
D# EH
F# GH
G# AH
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).
NO SHARPS OR FLATS BETWEEN CERTAIN NOTES

There are NO sharp or flat notes between B and C, or E and F
A
A# BH
C# DH
D# EH
F# GH
G# AH
No Sharps or Flats
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NOTES ON THE GUITAR
19
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
A
A# BH
C# DH
D# EH
F# GH
G# AH
Half Step (1 Note)
Whole Step (2 Notes)
ONE OCTAVE = 12 NOTES

A distance of 12 notes is called an octave
A
A# BH
C# DH
D# EH
F# GH
G# AH
A# BH
From A to A is one octave
20
THE SIX STRINGS

Each string is tuned to a note
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.
1E 2B 3G 4D 5A 6E
Thinnest String
Thickest 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.
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.
Headstock Nut
Fret Numbers
1E 2B 3G 4D 5A 6E F
3rd
5th
7th
9th
12th
15th
17th
19th High
String
F# GH
G# AH
A# BH
B C
C# DH
D# EH
E F
F# GH
G# AH
A# BH
Low String
12 Note Cycle
Repeats Over
12 Notes Repeat
21
THE NOTES ON EACH STRING OVERLAP

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.
1 2 3 4 5 6 E B G D A E
3rd 5th
F# GH
G# AH
Same Note
THE NOTES ON THE A STRING

To figure out the notes on the A string use the 12 Note Cycle
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.
A
3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th
A# BH
C# DH
D A
D# EH A# BH
E B
C# DH
D# EH
These are the same notes
22
THE OVERLAPPING NOTES

D to D
The 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.
1 2 3 4 5 6 E B G D A E
3rd 5th
A# BH
C# DH
Same Note
G to G
The 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.
1 2 3 4 5 6
E B G D A E
3rd
5th
D# EH
F# GH
Same Note
B to B
The 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.
1 2 3 4 5 6
E B G D A E
3rd
G# AH A# BH
5th
Same Note
E to E
The 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.
1 2 3 4 5 6
E B G D A E
3rd
5th
C# DH
D# EH
Same Note
23
THE OVERLAPPING NOTE PATTERN

Summary:
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.
1 2 3 4 5 6 E B G D A E
3rd 5th
E G D A
Same Notes
ALL THE NOTES ON THE GUITAR

You can name all the notes on the guitar
3rd 5th 7th 9th
C# DH G# AH
12th
D# EH A# BH F# GH C# DH G# AH D# EH
15th
F# GH C# DH
17th
19th
F# GH
1E 2B 3G 4D 5A 6E
G# AH D# EH A# BH
F C
F# GH C# DH
F# GH
A E B
A# BH
G D
G# AH D# EH F# GH C# DH G# AH
F C G
A E C G D A
A# BH C# DH G# AH D# EH A# BH
F# GH
D A E B
D# EH A# BH
C G
F C
F# GH C# DH
E B
D A F C G D
E B G D A E
G# AH D# EH A# BH
F C
F# GH
A E B
A# BH
G D F C G
G# AH D# EH F# GH C# DH G# AH
A E C G D A
A# BH C# DH G# AH D# EH A# BH
D A E B
But you dont 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.
24
Step
Discover The Secret to Making Up Songs
CHAPTER
The Secret to Making Up Songs - The Key Concept
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, Whats a note, a chord and a key? Read on for an explanation.
26
NOTES
Notes
When you play one string on the guitar, youre 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. To play a single note: Push 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.
The Note G
Nut Frets
Single Note G
See Basics 5 to learn more about the notes on the guitar.
THE SECRET TO MAKING UP SONGS - THE KEY CONCEPT
27
CHORDS
Chords
When you play three or more strings on the guitar at once youre playing a chord. Chords have names like C Major, A minor or G Major. You 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.
The Chord G Major

210003 Nut
Nut
chord diagram
G Major
CHORD PROGRESSIONS
Chord Progressions
An 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.
Chord Progression
210003 XX 0 1 3 2 023000 X3 2 0 1 0
G Major
1st Chord
D Major
2nd Chord
E minor
3rd Chord
C Major
4th Chord
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. 28
KEYS
Keys
A 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, Mozarts 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.
THE SECRET TO MAKING UP SONGS - THE KEY CONCEPT
29
KEYS
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.
Chords in the Key of C
I
X3 2 0 1 0
IIm
XX 0 2 3 1
IIIm
023000
IV
XX 3 2 1 1
V
210003
VIm
X0 2 3 1 0
C Major
D minor
E minor
F Major
G Major
A minor
Chords in the Key of G
I
210003
IIm
X0 2 3 1 0
IIIm
XXX 3 2 1
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
V
XX 0 1 3 2
VIm
023000
G Major
A minor
B minor
C Major
D Major
E minor
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. Click here to learn more about Guitar On the Spot - Using the Code.
30
Step
Make Up Songs Right Away By Rolling a Die
CHAPTER
Make Up Songs Right Away in Three Steps By Rolling a Die
1 PICK
a Key for Your Song!
2 ROLL
a Die to Select Chords from that Key!
3 PLAY
Song!
Your
32
MAKE UP SONGS BY ROLLING A DIE PICK a Key

for Your Song! Pick a key for your song from Jesses 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.
Example 2.1
Jesses Easy Chord Chart

The Six Main Chords in Five Major Keys
I
X01230
IIm
XXX3 2 1
2 fr
IIIm
XXX3 2 1
4 fr
IV
XX0 1 3 2
V
023100
VIm
XX3 1 1 1
Key of A
For this first example Im going to pick the key of G because it has the easiest chords to play.
A Major
X32010
B minor
XX0 2 3 1
C#/DH minor
023000
D Major
XX3 2 1 1
E Major
210003
F#/GH minor
X02310
Key of C
C Major
XX0 1 3 2
D minor
023000
E minor
XX3 1 1 1
F Major
210003
G Major
X01230
A minor
XXX3 2 1
2 fr
Key of D
D Major
023100
E minor
XX3 1 1 1
F#/GH minor
XX3 1 1 1
4 fr
G Major
X01230
A Major
XXX3 4 1
B minor
XXX3 2 1
4 fr
Key of E
E Major
210003
F#/GH minor
X02310
G#/AH minor
XXX3 2 1
2 fr
A Major
X32010
B Major
XX0 1 3 2
C#/DH minor
023000
Key of G
Pick the Key of G
G Major
A minor
B minor
C Major
D Major
E minor

I
210003
IIm
X0 2 3 1 0
IIIm
XXX 3 2 1
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
V
XX 0 1 3 2
VIm
023000
Key of G
G Major A minor B minor C Major D Major E minor
MAKE UP SONGS RIGHT AWAY IN THREE STEPS BY ROLLING A DIE
33

Jesses Easy Chord Chart below shows you an easy way to play the six main chords in five popular keys
Example 2.1 - continued

I
X0 1 2 3 0
IIm
XXX 3 2 1
IIIm
XXX 3 2 1
4 fr
IV
XX 0 1 3 2
V
023100
VIm
XX 3 1 1 1
Key of A
A Major
X3 2 0 1 0
B minor
XX 0 2 3 1
C#/DH minor
023000
D Major
XX 3 2 1 1
E Major
210003
F#/GH minor
X0 2 3 1 0
Key of C
C Major
XX 0 1 3 2
D minor
023000
E minor
XX 3 1 1 1
F Major
210003
G Major
X0 1 2 3 0
A minor
XXX 3 2 1
Key of D
D Major
023100
E minor
XX 3 1 1 1
F#/GH minor
XX 3 1 1 1
4 fr
G Major
X0 1 2 3 0
A Major
XXX 3 4 1
B minor
XXX 3 2 1
4 fr
Key of E
E Major
210003
F#/GH minor
X0 2 3 1 0
G#/AH minor
XXX 3 2 1
A Major
X3 2 0 1 0
B Major
XX 0 1 3 2
C#/DH minor
023000
Key of G
You can discover how to create this chart yourself using a simple code in Guitar On the Spot - Using the Code. Click here to learn more about Guitar On the Spot - Using the Code. 34

Roll a die as many times as you want to
select chords from the key of G.
ROLL a Die
to Select Chords from that Key!

I
210003
IIm
X0 2 3 1 0
IIIm
XXX 3 2 1
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
V
XX 0 1 3 2
VIm
023000
Key of G
Roll a Die to Make Up Your Song

This example has four chords.
Roll 1st Roll Look Up Each Chord in the Chart 2nd Roll 3rd Roll 4th Roll
I
210003
V
XX 0 1 3 2
VIm
023000
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
G Major
1st Chord
D Major
2nd Chord
E minor
3rd Chord
C Major
4th Chord
PLAY Your
Song!
Roll
Play the chords in the order that you rolled the die.
Play Your Song

1st Roll Look Up Each Chord in the Chart 2nd Roll 3rd Roll 4th Roll
I
210003
V
XX 0 1 3 2
VIm
023000
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
Strum each chord four times and repeat your song as many times as you like.
G Major
Play 1st Chord
D Major
2nd Chord
E minor
3rd Chord
C Major
4th Chord
One Measure - one unit of time
Strum each chord four times
MAKE UP SONGS RIGHT AWAY IN THREE STEPS BY ROLLING A DIE
35
MAKE UP SONGS BY ROLLING A DIE PICK a Key

for Your Song!
I
X0 1 2 3 0
Worksheet 2.1

IIm
XXX 3 2 1
IIIm
XXX 3 2 1
4 fr
IV
XX 0 1 3 2
V
023100
VIm
XX 3 1 1 1
Key of A
A Major
X3 2 0 1 0
B minor
XX 0 2 3 1
C#/DH minor
023000
D Major
XX 3 2 1 1
E Major
210003
F#/GH minor
X0 2 3 1 0
Key of C
C Major D minor
023000
E minor
XX 3 1 1 1
F Major
210003
G Major
X0 1 2 3 0
A minor
XXX 3 2 1
Pick a key for your song
XX 0 1 3 2
Key of D
D Major
023100
from Jesses Easy Chord Chart. See page 36 for the larger version.
E minor
XX 3 1 1 1
F#/GH minor
XX 3 1 1 1
4 fr
G Major
X0 1 2 3 0
A Major
XXX 3 4 1
B minor
XXX 3 2 1
4 fr
Key of E
E Major
210003
F#/GH minor
X0 2 3 1 0
G#/AH minor
XXX 3 2 1
A Major
X3 2 0 1 0
B Major
XX 0 1 3 2
C#/DH minor
023000
Key of _____
Key of G
ROLL a Die
to Select Chords from that Key!
Roll a die as many times as you want to select chords from

that key. This worksheet has four chords.
Roll a Die to Make Up Your Song

Roll 1st Roll Look Up Each Chord and Write its Name in the Blanks 1st Chord 2nd Roll 3rd Roll 4th Roll
2nd Chord
3rd Chord
4th Chord
PLAY Your
Song!
Roll To Play Each Chord Refer to Jesses Easy Chord Chart Play 1st Roll
Play Your Song

2nd Roll 3rd Roll 4th Roll
Play the chords
in the order that you rolled the die.

36
1st Chord
2nd Chord
3rd Chord
4th Chord
Step
Song Making Tips
CHAPTER
Tips to Create Emotions in Your Songs

CHANGE YOUR STRUMMING
You can make the same chord progression sound different just by changing your strumming
The following examples are in the key of G. 1. Change the NUMBER of times you strum each chord.
Ex 3.1 - Change the Number of Strums per Chord

I
210003
V
XX 0 1 3 2
VIm
023000
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
G Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
D Major
\ 1 2 \ 3 4
E minor
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
C Major
\ 1 2 \ 3 4
Strum 4X
Strum 2X
Strum 4X
Strum 2X
2. Change the VOLUME of your strumming so some chords are louder.
Ex 3.2 - Change the Volume of Your Strumming

I
210003
V
XX 0 1 3 2
VIm
023000
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
G Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
D Major
\ 1 2 \ 3 4
E minor
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
C Major
\ 1 2 \ 3 4
Strum Louder
Strum Louder
38
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.
Ex 3.3 - Change the Speed of Your Strumming

I
210003
V
XX 0 1 3 2
VIm
023000
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
G Major
Strumming Strokes Beat Count
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
D Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
E minor
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
C Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
Speed up as you play
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 3.4 - Play Only Three Chords

I
210003
V
XX 0 1 3 2
VIm
023000
G Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
D Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
E minor
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
TIPS TO CREATE EMOTIONS IN YOUR SONGS
39
MAJOR CHORDS SOUND HAPPY

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.
I
210003
IIm
X0 2 3 1 0
IIIm
XXX 3 2 1
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
V
XX 0 1 3 2
VIm
023000
G Major
A minor
B minor
C Major
D Major
E minor
MINOR CHORDS SOUND SAD

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.
I
210003
IIm
X0 2 3 1 0
IIIm
XXX 3 2 1
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
V
XX 0 1 3 2
VIm
023000
G Major
A minor
B minor
C Major
D Major
E minor
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. 40
CHAPTER
Make Up a Song With a Verse and a Chorus

MANY SONGS HAVE TWO PARTS
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.
Example 4.1 - Play a Verse and a Chorus

Verse
Repeat this verse as many times as you like before moving on to the chorus
I
210003
V
XX0 1 3 2
VIm
023000
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
G Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
D Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
E minor
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
C Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
Chorus
Repeat this chorus as many times as you like before going back to the verse
VIm
023000
V
XX0 1 3 2
E minor
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
D Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
Verse
G Major
\ \ \ \
D Major
\ \ \ \
E minor
\ \ \ \
C Major
\ \ \ \
Chorus
E minor
\ \ \ \
D Major
\ \ \ \
MAKE UP A SONG WITH A VERSE AND A CHORUS
41
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
I
210003
IIm
X0 2 3 1 0
IIIm
XXX 3 2 1
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
V
XX 0 1 3 2
VIm
023000
Key of G
Worksheet 3.1 - Make Up a Verse and a Chorus

Verse
1. ROLL a Die
1st Roll 2nd Roll 3rd Roll 4th Roll
2. LOOK Up the Chords
1st Chord
\ \ \ \
2nd Chord
\ \ \ \
3rd Chord
\ \ \ \
4th Chord
\ \ \ \
3. PLAY and Repeat Your Verse
Chorus
1. ROLL a Die
5th Roll 6th Roll
2. LOOK Up the Chords
5th Chord
\ \ \ \
6th Chord
\ \ \ \
3. PLAY and Repeat Your Chorus
Repeat your verse and chorus as many times as you like. You can add more chords to each part if you want to. 42
CHAPTER
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.
THE SECRET IS IN THE NUMBERS
43
SAME SONG, DIFFERENT KEYS

If you play the chord progression below in different keys, you will notice that it sounds relatively the same
I
\ \ \ \ \
IV
\ \ \ \
V
\ \ \ \ \ \ \
See the example on the next page
44
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. Its 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. Click here to learn more about Guitar On the Spot - Using the Code.
Example 5.1 - Key of G

I
210003
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
V
XX 0 1 3 2
Key of G
G Major
Strumming Strokes
\ \ \ \
C Major
\ \ \ \
D Major
\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \
Example 5.2 - Key of C

I
X3 2 0 1 0
IV
XX 3 2 1 1
V
210003
Key of C
C Major
Strumming Strokes
\ \ \ \
F Major
\ \ \ \
G Major
\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \
THE SECRET IS IN THE NUMBERS
45
CHAPTER
Song Making Tips
ORGANIZING CHORD PROGRESSIONS

Youve 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:
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. Its 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.
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. Youll 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.
46
CHAPTER
Make Up a Melody
A MELODY
A melody is a sequence of single notes played one after another.
AN EASY WAY TO MAKE UP A MELODY

Heres 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.
MAKE UP A MELODY
47
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 dont 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 youre right handed) and play each string in the order specified. If youre 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

You only pick the strings that are numbered in the picking order.
Example 7.1
Example 7.2
Example 7.3
G Major
210003
G Major
210003
G Major
210003
Picking Order
1234
Play this string 1st Play this string 2nd Play this string 3rd Play this string 4th
Picking Order
34
2
Play this string 2nd
Picking Order
3 4
Play this string 3rd and 4th
21
Play this string 2nd Play this string 1st
48
Play this string 3rd Play this string 4th
Play this string 1st
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.
Pick One String Per Beat Count

G Major
210003
Picking Order
1234
Match your Picking to the Beat Count

Picking Strokes 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.
MAKE UP A MELODY
49
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.
Example 7.4 - Sample Melody
I
210003
V
XX0 1 3 2
VIm
023000
IV
X32010
Picking Order
1234
1234
1234
1234
G Major
Picking Strokes Beat Count \ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
D Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
E minor
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
C Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
Example 7.5 - Sample Melody 2
I
210003
V
XX0 1 3 2
VIm
023000
IV
X32010
Picking Order
34
1342
34
342
G Major
Picking Strokes Beat Count \ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
D Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
E minor
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
C Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
Now make up your own melody. 50

Step
Make Up Different Types of Songs
CHAPTER
Make Up a Reggae Song

MAKE 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. Dont 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. Heres 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
I
210003
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
V
XX 0 1 3 2
G Major
C Major
\ \ 1 2 3 \ 4
D Major
\ 1 2 3 \ 4 1 \ 2 3 \ 4
\ 1 2 3
52
CHAPTER
Make Up a Rock Song

MAKE 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. Heres 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
VIm
023000
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
V7
XX 0 2 1 3
E minor
C Major
\
4
D7
\
4
\
1
\
2
\
3
\
1
\
2
\
3
\
4
\
1
\
2
\
3
\
1
\
2
\
3
\
4
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 ROCK SONG
53
CHAPTER
10
Make Up a Spanish Song

MAKE UP A SPANISH SONG
Spanish Chord Progressions

The secret to playing spanish sounding songs is to play Chord IIIm as a Major chord instead of a minor chord. So in the key of C, Chord IIIm is E minor, so play E Major instead.
Spanish Chords in the Key of C
I
X3 2 0 1 0
IIm
XX 0 2 3 1
III
023100
IV
XX 3 2 1 1
V
210003
VIm
X0 2 3 1 0
C Major
D minor
E Major
F Major
G Major
A minor
Example 10.1 - Spanish Song in the Key of C
VIm
X0 2 3 1 0
III
023100
IV
XX 3 2 1 1
III
023100
A minor
E Major
\ 4 \ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
F Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
E Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
\ 1
\ 2
\ 3
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. 54
CHAPTER
11
Make Up a Jazz Song

JAZZ CHORD PROGRESSIONS
Jazz Chord Progressions

A standard jazz chord progression uses the IIm, V and I chords of any key.
Standard Jazz Progression
IIm
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.
Another Jazz Progression
VIm
IIm
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
55
MAKE UP A JAZZ SONG

Here are these examples in the key of G
I
210003
IIm
X0 2 3 1 0
IIIm
XXX 3 2 1
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
V
XX 0 1 3 2
VIm
023000
G Major
A minor
B minor
C Major
D Major
E minor
Example 11.1 - Standard Jazz Progression in G

IIm
X0 2 3 1 0
V
XX 0 1 3 2
I
210003
A minor
D Major
\ 4 \ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
G Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4 \ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
\ 1
\ 2
\ 3
Example 11.2 - Another Jazz Progression in G

I
210003
VIm
023000
IIm
X0 2 3 1 0
V
XX 0 1 3 2
G Major
E minor
\ 4 \ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
A minor
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
D Major
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
\ 1
\ 2
\ 3
56
MAKE UP A JAZZ SONG

Now use these jazzy chords in the key of G instead
Jazz Chords in the Key of G
Imaj7
210043
IIm7
X0 2 0 1 0
IIIm7 IVmaj7
X1 4 2 3X X3 2 0 0 0
V7
XX 0 2 1 3
VIm7
020000
(G Major 7)
Gmaj7
(A minor 7)
Am7
(B minor 7)
Bm7
(C Major 7)
Cmaj7
(D Dominant 7)
D7
(E minor 7)
Em7
Example 11.3 - Standard Jazz Progression in G

IIm7
X0 2 0 1 0
V7
XX 0 2 1 3
Imaj7
210043
Am7
D7
\ 3 \ 4 \ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
Gmaj7
\ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4 \ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4
\ 1
\ 2
Example 11.4 - Another Jazz Progression in G

Imaj7
210043
VIm7
020000
IIm7
X0 2 0 1 0
V7
XX 0 2 1 3
Gmaj7
Em7
\ 4 \ 1 \ 2 \ 3 \ 4 \ 1
Am7
\ 2 \ 3 \ 4 \ 1
D7
\ 2 \ 3 \ 4
\ 1
\ 2
\ 3
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.
MAKE UP A JAZZ SONG
57
CHAPTER
12
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.
12 Bar Blues
IV
IV
58
BLUES CHORD PROGRESSION

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.
Example 12.1 - 12 Bar Blues in the Key of G
I
210003
G Major
\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
I
210003
C Major
G Major
\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3
V
XX 0 1 3 2
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
I
210003
V
XX 0 1 3 2
D Major
C Major
G Major
D Major
\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3
MAKE UP A BLUES SONG
59
BLUES CHORD PROGRESSION 2

Heres another blues chord progression format
You just play Chord IV for the second measure. Everything else is the same. Heres an example in the key of G:
Example 12.2 - 12 Bar Blues Format 2
I
210003
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
I
210003
G Major
C Major
G Major
\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
I
210003
C Major
G Major
\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3
V
XX 0 1 3 2
IV
X3 2 0 1 0
I
210003
V
XX 0 1 3 2
D Major
C Major
G Major
D Major
\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3
60
TRY THESE BLUESY CHORDS

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.
Blues Chords in the Key of G
I7
320001
IIm7
X0 2 0 1 0
IIIm7
X1 4 2 3X
IV7
X3 2 4 1 0
V7
XX 0 2 1 3
VIm7
020000
(G Dominant 7)
G7
(A minor 7)
Am7
(B minor 7)
Bm7
(C Dominant 7) (D Dominant 7)
C7
D7
(E minor 7)
Em7
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.
MAKE UP A BLUES SONG
61
BLUESY SOUNDING CHORD PROGRESSION

Heres blues chord progression using the bluesy sounding chords in the key of G Example 12.3 - 12 Bar Blues with Bluesy Chords
I7
320001
G7
\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3
IV7
X3 2 4 1 0
I7
320001
C7
G7
\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3
V7
XX 0 2 1 3
IV7
X3 2 4 1 0
I7
320001
V7
XX 0 2 1 3
D7
C7
G7
D7
\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3
62
Step
Make Up Solos On Lead Guitar
CHAPTER
13
How To Jam With Other People

HOW TO JAM WITH OTHER PEOPLE
Person Strums Any Chords From That Key!
1 PICK
a Key for Your Jam!
2 RHYTHM 3 LEAD
PICK A KEY
Person Plays Any Notes From that Key!
1 PICK
a Key for Your Jam!
Pick a key for your jam from the five popular keys on the next three pages. For this example, lets pick the key of C.
KEY OF A
RHYTHM Guitarist plays any of these chords Chords in the Key of A
X0 1 2 3 0 XXX 3 2 1 XXX 3 2 1
4 fr
XX 0 1 3 2
023100
XX 3 1 1 1
A Major
B minor
C#/DH minor
D Major
E Major
F#/GH minor
LEAD Guitarist plays any of these notes Note Pattern in the Key of A
1E 2B 3G 4D 5A 6E
64
KEY OF C
RHYTHM Guitarist plays any of these chords Chords in the Key of C
X3 2 0 1 0 XX 0 2 3 1 023000 XX 3 2 1 1 210003 X0 2 3 1 0
C Major
D minor
E minor
F Major
G Major
A minor
LEAD Guitarist plays any of these notes Note Pattern in the Key of C
1E 2B 3G 4D 5A 6E
KEY OF D
RHYTHM Guitarist plays any of these chords Chords in the Key of D
XX 0 1 3 2 023000 XX 3 1 1 1 210003 X0 1 2 3 0 XXX 3 2 1
D Major
E minor
F#/GH minor
G Major
A Major
B minor
LEAD Guitarist plays any of these notes Note Pattern in the Key of D
1E 2B 3G 4D 5A 6E
65
KEY OF E
RHYTHM Guitarist plays any of these chords Chords in the Key of E
023100 XX 3 1 1 1 XX 3 1 1 1
4 fr
X0 1 2 3 0
XXX 3 4 1
XXX 3 2 1
4 fr
E Major
F#/GH minor
G#/AH minor
A Major
B Major
C#/DH minor
LEAD Guitarist plays any of these notes Note Pattern in the Key of E
1E 2B 3G 4D 5A 6E
KEY OF G
RHYTHM Guitarist plays any of these chords

210003 X0 2 3 1 0 XXX 3 2 1 X3 2 0 1 0 XX 0 1 3 2 023000
G Major
A minor
B minor
C Major
D Major
E minor
LEAD Guitarist plays any of these notes
Note Pattern in the Key of G

1E 2B 3G 4D 5A 6E
Play string open (with no fingers down) for these notes
66
RHYTHM
Person Strums Any Chords From That Key!
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 dont 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.
Chords in the Key of C

X3 2 0 1 0 XX 0 2 3 1 023000 XX 3 2 1 1 210003 X0 2 3 1 0
C Major
D minor
E minor
F Major
G Major
A minor
Rhtyhm Person Strums Any Chords

Strum any Chords in the Key of C
X3 2 0 1 0
210003
X0 2 3 1 0
XX 3 2 1 1
C Major
1st Chord
G Major
2nd Chord
A minor
3rd Chord
F Major
4th Chord
67
LEAD Person Plays Any

Notes From that Key!
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.
Note Pattern in the Key of C

Fret Numbers 3rd 5th 7th 9th Play 12th Play 10th Play 8th Play 6th Play 4th 12th
1E 2B 3G 4D 5A 6E
Play 11th Play 9th Play 7th Play 5th Play 3rd Play 1st
Play 2nd
Index Finger
Ring Finger
Fingers
To play the 1st note, place the index finger of your left hand (if youre 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. 68
Pinky
CHAPTER
14
Make Up Solos On Lead Guitar

MAKE UP SOLOS IN ANY KEY
Now its 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. Its 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:
1 CREATE
MAKE UP GUITAR SOLOS IN ANY KEY

the Super Simple Solo Pattern!
a Back-Up Song in Any Key!
2 ANCHOR 3 MAKE UP
a Solo!
MAKE UP SOLOS ON LEAD GUITAR
69
Example 14.2
CREATE a Back-Up
Song in Any Key!
Create and record a back-up song in any key like you did in Chapter 2. If you dont 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. Heres a song in the key of C using chords from Jesses 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

Roll
Look Up Each Chord In Jesses Easy Chord Chart
1st Roll
2nd Roll
3rd Roll
4th Roll
X3 2 0 1 0
210003
VIm
X0 2 3 1 0
XX 3 2 1 1
IV
C Major
Play
G Major
2nd Chord
A minor
3rd Chord
F Major
4th Chord
1st Chord
70
ANCHOR the
Super Simple Solo Pattern!
Super Simple 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 youre soloing in. In this example the backup song is in the key of C. So anchor note R of the super simple solo pattern on the note C.
Root Note
R
=
R
Vertical
Horizontal
Solo Pattern
Play each note one at a time
Play 11th Play 9th Play 7th Play 5th Play 3rd Play 1st Play 12th Play 10th Play 8th Play 6th
R Index Finger Ring Finger Pinky
Play 4th Play 2nd
Anchor Note R on the Root Note

Solo Pattern
Anchor Note R on C
1E 2B 3G 4D 5A 6E
F# GH
G# AH
A# BH
Solo Pattern in the Key of C
MAKE UP SOLOS ON LEAD GUITAR
71
MAKE UP a Solo!
Make up a solo as you play along with the back-up song by playing any notes in the solo pattern.
Make Up a Solo Over Your Back-Up Song
Back-Up Song
in the Key of C
1st Roll
2nd Roll
3rd Roll
4th Roll
I
X32010
V
210003
VIm
X02310
IV
XX3 2 1 1
C Major
G Major
A minor
F Major
1st Chord
2nd Chord
3rd Chord
4th Chord
Solo Pattern
in the Key of C
1E 2B 3G 4D 5A 6E
3rd
5th
7th
9th
12th
Solo Pattern in the Key of C
This chapter is just an introduction to soloing. There are four other solo patterns, (youll 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. Click here to learn more about Guitar On the Spot - Using the Code.
72
CHAPTER
15
THE MAJOR PENTATONIC SCALE
Make Up Solos Up and Down the Guitar Neck
The solo pattern you used in the last chapter is just one pattern of whats 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

R R R R R R R
R R
Pattern 1
R R
Pattern 2
R
Pattern 3
R R
Pattern 4
R R
Pattern 5
MAKE UP SOLOS UP AND DOWN THE GUITAR NECK IN THREE STEPS
73
MAKE UP SOLOS UP AND DOWN THE GUITAR
CREATE
a Back-Up Song in Any Key!
Create a Back-Up Song

Roll
Follow the steps in Chapter 2 to create a back-up song and record it. This example is in the key of C.
Look Up Each Chord In Jesses Easy Chord Chart
1st Roll
2nd Roll
3rd Roll
4th Roll
X3 2 0 1 0
210003
VIm
X0 2 3 1 0
XX 3 2 1 1
IV
C Major
Play
G Major
2nd Chord
A minor
3rd Chord
F Major
4th Chord
1st Chord
ANCHOR a
Scale Pattern on the Root Note of that Key!
Anchor Note R on the Root Note

Major Pentatonic Scale Pattern 5
R R
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.
3rd 5th
Anchor Note R on C
1E 2B 3G 4D 5A 6E
7th
9th
12th
F# GH
G# AH
A# BH
C Major Pentatonic Scale
3 MAKE UP
a Solo!
Solo Up and Down the Neck

1E 2B 3G 4D 5A 6E
3rd 5th 7th
Once youve 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.
9th
12th
R R
R R
C R
C Major Pentatonic Scale
74
Step
Make Up Riffs On Guitar
CHAPTER
16
Make Up Riffs On Guitar

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 thats the key well 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. Its 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. Click here to learn more about 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:
1 CREATE
MAKE UP GUITAR RIFFS IN THE KEY OF G

a Chord Progression in the Key of G! the Super Simple Solo Pattern! Riffs!
2 DISCOVER 3 MAKE UP
76
MAKE UP RIFFS IN THE KEY OF G
Example 16.1
CREATE
a Chord Progression in the Key of G!
Create a Back-Up Song

Roll a Die 1st Roll 2nd Roll 3rd Roll 4th Roll
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 right.
Look Up Each Chord 2 1 0 0 0 3 in the Key of G in Jesses G Major Easy 1st Chord Chord Chart
XX0 1 3 2
VIm
0 2 3 0 0 0
X3 2 0 1 0
IV
D Major
E minor
C Major
2nd Chord
3rd Chord
4th Chord
2 DISCOVER
the Super Simple Solo Pattern!
Solo Pattern in the Key of G

Play each note one at a time
Play 11th Play 3rd Play 5th Play 7th Play 9th Play 1st
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).
E A D G B E
Play Open String
3rd
Index Finger Middle Finger
3rd Play 2nd Play 4th Play 6th Play 8th Play 10th Play 12th
Solo Pattern in the Key of G
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.
MAKE UP RIFFS ON GUITAR
77
MAKE UP RIFFS IN THE KEY OF G
MAKE UP
Riffs!
First make up riffs by 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 youve 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.
Alternate
Alternate between strumming and soloing
Strum Solo Strum Solo Strum Solo Strum Solo
2 1 0 0 0 3
E A D G B E
XX0 1 3 2
E A D G B E
VIm
0 2 3 0 0 0
3rd
E A D G B E
X3 2 0 1 0
IV
E A D G B E
3rd
3rd
3rd
G Major
Solo Pattern
D Major
Solo Pattern
E minor
Solo Pattern
C Major
Solo Pattern
Make Up Riffs
Play parts of chords then notes from the Solo Pattern
Play these notes one after the other. The 1st note is an open string
1st 2nd
Strum these two strings twice
Strum these two strings twice

XXX 1 3X
Play these notes one after the other
Strum these three strings once
Play these three notes one after the other
Strum these three strings three times

XX2 0 1X
Play this note once
2 1XXXX
1st 2nd
0 2 3 X X X 2nd 3rd 1st
G Major
Solo Pattern
D Major Pattern E minor Pattern C Major Pattern
Solo
Solo
}
Solo
You could make an entire album just by using the chords in the Key of G and this super simple solo pattern. Its 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. Click here to learn more about Guitar On the Spot - Using the Code. 78
Appendix
APPENDIX
How to Tune Your Guitar

HOW TO TUNE A GUITAR
Each string is tuned to a note

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.
E B G D A E
1 Thinnest String 2 3 4 5 6 Thickest

String
Using a Guitar Tuner

Using a guitar tuner is the easiest way to tune your guitar. Its 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 Pipe

If a tuner doesnt 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.
80
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
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.
E B G D A E
3rd
5th
1 2 3 4 5 6
Tune the low E string to a device such as a tuning fork or a piano
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.
E B G D A E
3rd
5th
1 2 3 4 5 6
Tune the A string using the A note on the 5th fret of the low E string
3rd 5th
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.
E B G D A E
G D A Tune each string using the previous string
1 2 3 4 5 6
HOW TO TUNE YOUR GUITAR
81
Dedication & Acknowledgments

This book is dedicated to my mom and editor, Joyce Hunt. You wouldnt be reading it if it werent for her. Without her motivation and expertise I wouldve never finished. Thanks Mom! I would also like to thank my dad, Bill Hunt for his support, patience and guidance 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 Ive 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
82
About the Author

Jesse Hunt grew up playing the piano and saxophone but all he could do was play other peoples songs. What he really wanted to do was make up his own songs, he just didnt know how. Eventually he quit both instruments out of frustration. It wasnt 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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
83

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Guitar ...On the Spot!

Guitar ...On the Spot!

Guitar On the Spot - The System Overview

Guitar On the Spot Using the Code

Guitar On the Spot II Expanding the Code

Guitar On the Spot III Commanding the Code

MAKE UP SONGS BY ROLLING A DIE

a Key for Your Song!

a Die to Select Chords from that Key!

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

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

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

Guitar On the Spot - Free E-Book

Start Here If Youre A Complete Beginner

Start Here If You Can Already Strum Some Chords

APPENDIX Appendix A - How to Tune Your Guitar 80

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

Parts of the Guitar

Sound Hole Fretboard

Fret Neck Markers

Bridge Pick Guard

How to Hold and Strum a Guitar

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

STRUMMING THE GUITAR

Strum downwards with your index fingernail

Strum upwards with your thumbnail

Hold the pick between your thumb and index finger

HOW TO HOLD AND STRUM A GUITAR

How to Play Chords in Three Steps

Each fret on the guitar is one note

The Chord G Major

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

HOW TO PLAY CHORDS

LOOK AT the numbers on the top of

the chord diagram

the Fingering Key

0 Strum Without Fingers X Do Not Strum

your fingers in the right spots and strum the chord

0 Strum Without Fingers X Do Not Strum

HOW TO PLAY CHORDS IN THREE STEPS

TIPS TO PLAY CHORDS

G Major and D Major Open Chords

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

HOW TO PLAY BAR CHORDS

G Major Bar Chord

Index finger pushes down all strings

HOW TO PLAY CHORDS IN THREE STEPS

You Can Make Up Songs Using Chord Progressions

You can make up songs using chord progressions

Sample Chord Progression

Staff Strumming Strokes Beat Count

One Measure - one unit of time

Strum each chord four times

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

All You Need To Know About the Notes On the Guitar

There are 12 Repeating Notes:

NO SHARPS OR FLATS BETWEEN CERTAIN NOTES

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NOTES ON THE GUITAR