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This lesson is the key to how I think about Guitar.
The triads (chords) that Brian uses on strings 3,4 and 5 give the three close inversions of a major chord. It shows how knowing these positions can be used to embellish the chords or add different melody notes in each position.
The CAGED system of chords uses 5 shapes but the A and G chords have the same triad on these strings and the D and C shapes are the same as well. I look at it as only 3 shapes, C, G, E.
Similarly the 5 positions of Major and minor pentatonic scales (indeed all scales) can be reduced to 3, each based on the three inversions of this triad. There are 12 frets, we have four fingers so only 3 forms are really different. 4 times 3 = 12. I see every interval based on these three shapes as a home base.
This not only works vertically up the neck but horizontally as well. Each chord shape, C G and E have all 3 inversions in them. E.G. The G shape has a root inversion triad on strings 6,5,4, a first inversion triad on strings 5,4,3 and a second inversion on strings 4,3,2.
Now you have 3 ways of playing a major chord in three positions or 9 ways of playing every major chord. You now know 9 ways to play all 11 different major chords or 99 chords, throw that chord bible out!.
A little work and minor triads, diminished triads and augmented triads are just a step away.
Knowing the inversions will help you make chord melodies on top of the chords and bass lines below, something finger pickers and Jazzers use alot. Never fear breaking a string again! Extended chords, 7ths 9ths etc. and altered chords are just the next step.
P.S. All the drop inversions are there too.
And thats how I see it anyway.
Gordo
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