CHORDS - KEY OF C MAJOR © Major F Major G7 a — bar 2. on—] |—tst e HOW TO READ CHORD FRANES: = Chord box or tablature. @ = Where to place your left-hand fingers. The numbers refer to specific fingers: @ = index @ = middle © = ring O = little © = Strumopen string. An open string is a string that is not fingered by the left hand. X = Donotstrum string. 6@ = Press down on two or more strings with the same finger, in this case your left-hand index finger. This technique is referred to as a "barre" or "bar." LEARNING TO PLAY CHORDS Every major key has three principle chords. In the key of C Major the three principle chords are called C, F, and G7. These chords should be practiced and memorized'one at a time. At first they may seem impossible to play, but, with a little time, practice, and patience, you'll soon be able to play them without any problem. Once you have the fingering for each chord memorized, try playing the three chords together in the following manner: Strum each chord four times using a very slow speed or tempo. Work on switching from chord to chord as smoothly and as quickly as possible. Your goal is to be able to keep a steady beat without any pause or hesitation between the chords. This is bound to take a lot of practice, time, and patience so don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. As you get better at changing from chord to chord gradually increase the speed or tempo of your strums. Once you have memorized and mastered playing these three chords go on to the practice exercises on the next page.CHORD EXERCISES ~ KEY OF C MAJOR Exercise 1 ce z Exercise 2 : c F In its most basic form the 12-bar blues refers to a specific pattern or chord progression using the three principle chords of the key within twelve measures or bars of music. The 12-bar blues can be played at any tempo: slow, medium, or fast. THE 12-BAR BLUES INC MAJOR