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The Essential Triad Guitar Lesson – Using The Top 3 Strings Only – EP362

Description

In this week’s guitar lesson, you’ll learn how easy it is to play rhythm (and lead) by only concentrating on triads (simple 3 note chords). Everything in this lesson is played on the top 3 strings, making it easy to concentrate on learning (less variables). You’ll learn the major, minor, dominant 7, 6 and 9 chord voicings in 3 positions on the neck.

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Comments

  1. Jimmey M says

    May 22, 2020 at 7:18 pm

    yes needed diagrams to print thanks Brian I finally started to nail EP187 to love that kind of stuff keep them coming!

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    • Jimmey M says

      May 22, 2020 at 7:41 pm

      please give us more triad diagrams like on the other sets of strings im new maybey you have them some where? thanks again Brian stay safe buddy.

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      • Matt Blues says

        May 23, 2020 at 2:20 pm

        About a week ago I did a internet search of images for “triads for guitar” . Give it a try you should find one with all six strings with all the inversions

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    • simplydelboy says

      May 23, 2020 at 12:30 pm

      Brilliant addition to your recent lessons that have kept me going through lockdown in England. My understanding has increased by leaps and bounds over the last six weeks. I knew a lot of the theory, but now it’s in my fingers. I’m 73, and I’ll be gigging again when we’re finally allowed. Thankyou Brian.

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      • colin k says

        June 20, 2021 at 2:34 pm

        just starting triads and this lesson and 399 has helped me so much can not believe how much i have learnt in one day just got to digest it all thanks Brian

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  2. Ian M says

    May 22, 2020 at 7:19 pm

    I’m thrilled to see this lesson! This is something I figured out on my own a few years ago (inspired by many of your lessons) and it’s been THE most important thing I’ve learned (other than the basics) because it opens up so many doors! Feel free to discuss the triads on the three other contiguous string combinations, beginning with my personal favorite – the 4th, 3rd and 2nd. Thank you Brian.

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    • Todd F says

      May 23, 2020 at 2:35 pm

      I would also find a similar lesson on 2,3,4/3,4,5/4,5,6 very useful…this was a great lesson

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    • Daniel O says

      November 10, 2020 at 3:06 am

      Yes agreed. A really fantastic lesson. I like to have one of the couple of lessons I’m working on be developing my theory like this (with a great tune under it) and another one developing my physical chops. I’d also love to see the triads on the middle strings. I could figure them out I guess but having such a comprehensive lesson and inspiring backing tracks (as well as hearing Brians thoughts) would be much better. Cheers Brian & fellow members.

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  3. Leonard U says

    May 22, 2020 at 7:26 pm

    another great lesson. thanks.

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  4. Michael Allen says

    May 22, 2020 at 7:44 pm

    Thanks for another great lesson using triads. I can’t wait to learn this tune!

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    • Michael Allen says

      May 27, 2020 at 8:44 am

      There’s a lot of valuable information in the lesson and Triad charts which makes me feel that follow up lessons are necessary because for lack of a better way to describe my trying to understand it all, it’s like trying to drink from a fire hose. Maybe I’m making it more difficult than it is because I have notes from 20 years ago where I worked out inversions on the first four strings and never did anything with the information since. I’m hoping more instruction will clear things up for me

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  5. annekaz says

    May 22, 2020 at 7:52 pm

    Great song lesson. And the supplemental charts are really useful. Thank you

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  6. Guillermo L says

    May 22, 2020 at 8:04 pm

    Hi Brian,

    this was exactly what made a big “bulb moment” in my brain. In this lesson I understood more in twenty minutes then in the past twenty years of playing.
    Thank you for keeping it simple and clear and also for the pdf files.
    You made a lot of outstanding good tutorials, but with this you nailed it. May other players that are probably at a higher level foregive me, but I would
    very much like to see more of such kind of lessons in the future. I dont want to learn the blues just by copying licks or playing scales up and down. I want to understand how it is made. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

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  7. Jim M says

    May 22, 2020 at 8:14 pm

    Another roadway for my musical journey.

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  8. San Luis Rey says

    May 22, 2020 at 8:54 pm

    Tons of useful information to digest this week. This should be a big help. Thanks Brian!

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  9. Brent C says

    May 22, 2020 at 9:15 pm

    WOW?? Merry Christmas to “US”……!!! There’s several weeks worth of presents here (for me anyway) all rolled into one lesson. The triad tab’s plus the accompanying backing tracks in multiple keys. No idea how you do it Brian but thank-you so so much for making learning so achievable. This is gonna be FUN!!!!!

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  10. Tim Lee says

    May 22, 2020 at 11:37 pm

    This one’s a keeper! Great lesson. A lot of work went into this with some great charts for future reference. Thanks Brian.

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    • Michael B says

      May 23, 2020 at 12:50 am

      😳 🤔 😃

      This is an incedible lesson and a real unlock of the fretboard! Seems like a change of paradigma…

      I can’t get enough of that and your way of tasteful teaching.

      So stay healthy and keep on going!

      Best wishes from Dortmund

      Michael B.

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  11. David T says

    May 23, 2020 at 12:38 am

    A great lesson Brian, I’m blinded by the light bulb…with so many take-aways. I’m with Ian M, how about another lesson on the middle strings?

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  12. Jim Dog says

    May 23, 2020 at 6:40 am

    Brian,
    This lesson is HUGE. Fantastic to have all of this together in one lesson rather than picking up little pieces randomly. The PFDs are great for future reference. Please do a similar lesson for double stops. AM, Brian, is the best! Thank you.

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  13. JohnStrat says

    May 23, 2020 at 7:03 am

    Brian,
    This is a very useful lesson and looks to be most exciting as you say. I have just listened to the first part and realize that it I was able to preempt much of what you were about to say and so it switches on a searchlight power bulb in all ways. I had instinctively gained lots of scattered bits of this knowledge picked up in many of your other lessons. But here you have bundled it all into the one and made it clear.
    Lessons here don’t get any better. However if I say that next week you will surprise us all again with another switch on cast elsewhere!
    So congratulations the lesson subject and clarity is a musical gold mine. And you have created a perfect focus with all the aids.
    Thanks JohnStrat

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  14. Kerry L says

    May 23, 2020 at 7:44 am

    Hi Brian

    This is just another Great lesson . Most of my life I have played Rhythm Guitar, so I think in bar or full cord shapes most of the time. Recently I have started playing

    lead guitar with a band and it’s like a whole new world , this opens the whole neck up to move easily and quickly . I can only agree with everyone else, definitely more

    lessons like this.

    Kerry

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  15. Phil G says

    May 23, 2020 at 7:49 am

    YES! This lesson has lit up a lot of bulbs for me!
    SO, YES. To a 6ths and 3rds lesson! Using 1&2, 2&3, 1&3, and 2&4 would be awesome!! ALSO, a triads lesson that might include triads on strings 2, 3, and 4.
    One other thing to mention, I really like the jam tracks. I will download them, and import them into my DAW (Studio One) Once I have them in S1, I can change the tempo for practicing. Unfortunately, your definition of a “slow version” is still usually faster than I can play!

    Thanks for all you do Brian!!

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  16. Raymond P says

    May 23, 2020 at 8:11 am

    Thanks for another great lesson Brian. Your patient explanations are so eye opening and these triad diagrams are extremely helpful too. So many light bulbs lite up from this lesson I can’t say enough.

    Thanks again
    Ray P

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  17. patmac says

    May 23, 2020 at 8:48 am

    Thirty seconds into the video, I paused, and added it to my favorites. Would enjoy a lesson of triads on other strings. Thanks.

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  18. Bill9352 says

    May 23, 2020 at 8:54 am

    I’m running out of superlatives! I keep thinking that you’ve produced the ultimate lesson yet you keep topping yourself. And this is EXACTLY where I am in my development.
    Thanks again Brian. This stuff is life changing!

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  19. Anthony G says

    May 23, 2020 at 9:04 am

    So a F6 and G9 are the same triad? So I guess you choose depending on the key?

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    • Brian says

      May 23, 2020 at 12:01 pm

      Depends on the chord underneath it. Go to 6:18 in the Part 1 video.

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      • tremolo1975 says

        July 9, 2020 at 4:30 am

        Hi Brian,

        I’m trying to apply it to 1564 proggression in the key of C.
        What triad should I use over the 6 chord in this case Am?

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  20. Jeff H says

    May 23, 2020 at 9:16 am

    I was hanging out for this week’s lesson, kept checking, and I wasn’t disappointed. What a Great lesson, so much info, with a beautiful, gentle composition. You never cease to amaze us, and you get us all fired up every week Thanks Brian.

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  21. erwin41 says

    May 23, 2020 at 12:08 pm

    This is what we really needed,excellent lesson.Thank you Brian for trying to make us good Guitar Player.The Idea for a lesson on harm.6th and 3rds would also be appreciated.
    greetings from Austria.Erwin

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  22. Denise says

    May 23, 2020 at 1:21 pm

    Added to favourites!!! This lesson’s what I’ve been looking for soo long. Theory stuff that makes so much fun!
    I’ve been with AM now for 2 weeks and I am learning soo much more than with my former guitar teacher. No comparison. I like the way of your teaching, the videos, the slow w. t. and the tabs. I can’t ask for more!
    Thank you Brian
    Denise

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  23. charleydelta says

    May 23, 2020 at 2:12 pm

    Great lesson, Brian. BTW, is that a 1950’s era Gibson ES -125 arch top electric that you’re playing in this lesson? I don’t recall seeing that one on any of your previous videos. Charley D.

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  24. Geoffrey B says

    May 23, 2020 at 3:33 pm

    I’ll be channeling my inner Charlie Sexton y’all!
    “Love And Theft” with Zimmie

    That is syrup

    yup yup…

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    • Rudy Fire says

      May 24, 2020 at 3:50 pm

      6 to 9 always be “Sooo- What” from Miles Davis

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  25. klox says

    May 23, 2020 at 6:28 pm

    Excellent lesson Brian. Crystallises so many other learnings.

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  26. Will R says

    May 23, 2020 at 7:25 pm

    Excellent lesson, Brian!!! Thank you! It’s like a masters-level hack for learning guitarists. I feel like you just showed me how to do a magic trick on the guitar, especially when connecting the lead phrases to the chord shapes. I want to be able to see the fretboard the way you see it. Please add a lesson for the two string, harmonized 3rd/6th.

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  27. James K says

    May 23, 2020 at 9:36 pm

    I have a stack of Hal Leonard guitar books at least a foot high. I have learned more from Brian and this excellent site than all of them put together. Thanks Brian.

    There is one guitar book that I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about triads. Its called “Triads for the Rock Guitarist” by Dave Celentano. It is an excellent book and resides in a place of honor-on top of the foot high stack. I refer back to it often.

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  28. Laurel C says

    May 24, 2020 at 2:33 am

    These specialty lessons with the focus on the subject matter (triads) not only unlock the fretboard but open up a new understanding to another level with the bonus being a great composition to play. Appreciate the clarity given on the content and the extra work to provide the resources that will add greatly to the recent EP356 triads on 2,3,4 strings. Yes please for a specialty lesson on harmonized 6th and 3rds.

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  29. Matt Blues says

    May 24, 2020 at 7:44 am

    Ok so The G6 at the 3,5,4 frets. If you take that shape and slide it to first position it is also a Dm. It is also a Em at the 3rd fret using the Dm shape? So would it be true that 6 chord can also function as a relative minor chord? Or am I over thinking it?

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    • Phil G says

      May 26, 2020 at 9:33 am

      At around 4:50 in part 1, he starts off wanting to show 3 voicing’s for an Em chord. Then, around 6:10 he starts explaining the reason for learning the minor chords, is because those are also the relative major chord’s 6 chord. So, I guess you’re right. That Dm chord shape can function as a 6 chord, or THAT chords, relative minor.

      But I’m looking at it a little different. Since I know I want to play a G6 chord, I’m seeing the root (G) at e3. Roots on the e string are either a G shape, or an E shape chord. So, starting with the E shape G chord, I derive the 6 chord by moving the B3 (5th) up 2 frets to the B5 (6th). Keep the G4 (3rd), and you have a 6 chord.

      For the stair step shape 6 chord, I see that as being derived form a D shape chord (the root on the B string), again by moving the 5th up 2 frets to a 6th, For the A shape 6 chord (root on the G string), you are again moving the 5th up 2 frets to a 6th,

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      • Matt Blues says

        May 30, 2020 at 1:41 pm

        Thanks for the answer. I will have to review it with my guitar in hand to.make sense of it.

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      • Hugo Arend says

        August 7, 2020 at 1:05 pm

        NIce. Your reply has cleared some doubts I had. I still don’t understand why some are calle G9. I think I understand that the G6 is called that because it is the relative minor of G, so Em. What I don’t undersstand is why when we slided it a tone down it becomes a G9. a G9 should be an Am, not a Dm. I’d appreciate if you or anyone owuld clarify that for me. Cheers!

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        • Ryan H says

          October 22, 2022 at 3:10 am

          Having same question.

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    • Jim K says

      June 14, 2020 at 8:18 am

      Sure! Consider I-Major, ii-minor, iii minor, IV-Major, V-Dom 7th, VI-minor (relative minor of the Major chord), VII-half diminished. So when accompanying in any tune, use the Pentatonic minor scale of the key and improvise. I had to work at it a bit, but after using bends, pull offs etc., you’ll be amazed how good you’ll sound. To find the relative minor of any key, e.q. see the C on the 1st string, 8th fret and back up three frets to the A on the 5th fret 1st string, that’s your relative minor. Then using the 5 positions of the Pentatonic minor, you’re off to the races. Good Luck.
      Jim K

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  30. Alan S says

    May 24, 2020 at 11:52 am

    Another great lesson keep the great work up! Love the latest styles of music your are providing.

    Thanks

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  31. dave t says

    May 24, 2020 at 1:03 pm

    straight to the favorites. lots there to think about. thanks so much Brian. stay well

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  32. Mark M says

    May 24, 2020 at 3:07 pm

    I spent 30 minutes playing with the major scale to help get familiar with finding the relative minor. It finally hit me that I can simply find the major scale root note on the A string and back up three frets to find the minor scale key. I’m sure that’s a well known method, but it was a eureka moment for me.

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  33. Noshan G says

    May 24, 2020 at 9:00 pm

    What I did Brian was,I started compiling all the riffs and licks from the lessons I loved and I started playing in different scales.Very fast way to learn and memorise.Thank you so much.I would love to see follow up lesson on harmonic third or sixth and how to go about it.Namaste from Nepal.And really appreciate your hard work for make us understand what guitar is all about.

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  34. Bernie G says

    May 25, 2020 at 8:36 pm

    Another great lesson. Yes I would be interested in a two string lesson and also another followup using the 4-3-2 string triands.. Light bulbs are going off all over the place for this old guy.

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  35. Robert G says

    May 25, 2020 at 9:41 pm

    I’m a beginner. So what’s everybody so excited about?

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  36. Jan B says

    May 25, 2020 at 10:08 pm

    SUPER BRIAN ! this made me dust off the guitar and gave me the motivation I needed too

    start again,,,,,, love the the bluesy jazz feel THANK YOU !!!!

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  37. Malcolm D says

    May 26, 2020 at 5:31 am

    Brain,

    Thank you for a excellent lesson your style of teaching is spot on.

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  38. Cory James says

    May 26, 2020 at 11:21 am

    Brian – Thank you!!!! I’m really excited and inspired to learn this material and apply it. Hearing someone talk about 6 chords and 9 chords was the equivalent for me of listening to someone talking Algebra equations when I was 14 years old. … intimidating topic until you have a good teacher break it down in simple terms. (and I’m actually became pretty good at Algebra, so I’m hoping that this lesson and my ability to learn …..translates into my guitar playing / creativity getting a lot better!)

    Great lesson!
    Cory

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  39. Greg B says

    May 26, 2020 at 1:27 pm

    Thanks so much, Brian! This is extremely useful. The one thing I add to this in my own mind is where the root in each triad is. First string, second string, third string. The root changes as you go up the neck. (all except the 7 voicings!) It seems so simple but this helps me retain and also informs single note playing. Rather than playing shapes, this lesson helps me understand and also changes note locations on the fretboard from rote memory to conceptual understanding.

    Brilliant lesson!

    Greg

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  40. coreyman97 says

    May 26, 2020 at 7:59 pm

    Each week you continue to provide wonderful lessons that teach and challenge. This is outstanding – I’ve always wanted to grasp triads. Thank you.

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  41. Ryan S says

    May 26, 2020 at 8:00 pm

    Hi Brian,

    I wouldn’t say this is the best lesson you’ve done, but it is something I have wanted to learn for years. If you can do more in this vein, I’m sure we will all appreciate it. Thanks for all your hard work, and I look forward to your next lesson.

    P.S. Haven’t seen that Byrdland in a while. Maybe you can do a lesson on it sometime.

    Ryan

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    • Sid P says

      February 7, 2021 at 10:59 am

      Hi Ryan

      I’m a brand new premium member, and I think this lesson is amazing. What’s a short list or even just one lesson you think is better? Thanks.

      Sid

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  42. Yvon C says

    May 27, 2020 at 1:57 am

    Hi Brian,
    Thank you for this one. It is really interesting as always. By the way it could be nice to have a lesson like that on the SIXTH.

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  43. Frank N says

    May 27, 2020 at 5:47 am

    Wow, it’s like the movie the Matrix where Neo sees the code. Your lessons are so revealing Brian! Thanks again for simplifying the fretboard.

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  44. Marcus Widmer says

    May 27, 2020 at 7:12 am

    Dear Brian

    Wonderful – not too elaborate, not too laborious – just wonderful. Very refreshing, my friend.

    All the best to you and family.

    Greetings from sunny Lake Geneva, Switzerland

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  45. Roy B says

    May 27, 2020 at 7:53 am

    Question… For the dominant 7 triads, there seems to be some variance in the intervals of the notes in the different positions. They all have the b7th, but the other 2 notes vary between root, major 3rd and perfect 5th notes. It seems that the b7th note provides the flavour as these triads are played over the major chord progression so the other notes of the triad can vary among the other notes of a dominant 7 chord; 1, 3, 5, b7. Are the notes included in each position, other than the b7, chosen for an easier grab of the triad?

    Luv this video, finally making headway with triads.

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    • Phil G says

      May 28, 2020 at 11:05 am

      That is a good question! However, if you look close, only the G7 in measure 16 is “different”. The C7 in measure 18 and the G7 in measure 24, are the standard D7 shape. The C7 in measure 22 is the standard A7 shape. That “different” G7 in measure 16 is explained starting around 3:06 in video 2. At around 3:25, he walks the G note at G12 down to the b7 at G10, then barres fret 10, and plays the 3rd at B12. He does admit it is “different” than he showed (in video 1) you would could play a 7th chord.

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  46. Michael G says

    May 27, 2020 at 9:55 am

    Awesome lesson! I love when I can understand what I am doing and why.

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  47. Yvon C says

    May 27, 2020 at 11:19 am

    Hi all,
    Who want a lesson like this on the SIXTH?

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  48. Phil P says

    May 27, 2020 at 12:47 pm

    That really worked for me Brian; that is your simpler package idea on just three strings. I need to crawl, a lot. The premium video answered some confusing questions I had about fitting the 6, 9 and dom7 triads into the progression.

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  49. Joseph A says

    May 27, 2020 at 2:03 pm

    Harmonized 6th’s and harmonized 3rd’s, I’ve been trying to wrap my head around harmonizing chords, would really like to see your lesson, thanks Brian

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  50. richard p says

    May 28, 2020 at 12:32 pm

    Another incredible lesson. I always feel like I’m just spending time with Brian, and he’s teaching me exactly the way I need it. I want a cool sounding tune, and I want to understand how it works. I never get overwhelmed with these lessons because Brian picks the perfect amount of information, is always consistent with the terminology and is just a natural teacher. It’s such a pleasure to spend time with someone like that… even if it’s just through a video!

    Today I heard something interesting… I’ve gotten a few other clues before… “adding a new variable”. OK, that’s exactly how we engineers think and talk. I’m starting to wonder if Brian is an engineer, and good at math. Maybe that’s why I feel like he’s speaking directly to me.

    Finally, there is another youtube video that was a real eye opener to me. I’m always looking for that logical, simple way to understand guitar music theory. This youtube video showed how there are really only two chord shapes, and the 1,3,5 notes therefore only have two shape options. Check this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n_G6TuIZ5c&list=PLiYP5lAo2Jmz6nGZiQNw8AbnM7LRaIPb9&index=2 (this is part of a whole series on chords… you might need the intro also)

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  51. Pentti S says

    May 28, 2020 at 12:39 pm

    Brian. This was just great. Very informative, however not too difficult though.
    This is exactly what I wish to see, practical theory bits to take into use immediately.
    Thank you so much.

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  52. brian b says

    May 28, 2020 at 3:29 pm

    Another great lesson! Thanks!

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  53. Lyn C says

    May 28, 2020 at 6:53 pm

    Super helpful.. I never guessed that this would be so “easy”.. it’s still a lot of work to learn and practice all this stuff, but your explanation is great.
    Thanks Brian.

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  54. Jim Dog says

    May 28, 2020 at 7:52 pm

    D shape G to E shape G on premium lesson at7:30, just taught Soul Man by Sam and Dave. Very Cool!

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  55. Glen T says

    May 28, 2020 at 9:43 pm

    Another favourite.

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  56. Michael M says

    May 29, 2020 at 1:43 pm

    Hi Brian- You commented that if the interest was out there you would do a lesson on harmonized 3rds and 6ths (majors and minors). That indeed is something I would welcome a good lesson on. Hope you receive enough requests for this do put a dynamite lesson together explaining and demonstrating them…as well as a composition to play them in context.
    Many Thanks
    Michael

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  57. Boppie says

    May 29, 2020 at 3:31 pm

    I was just noticing the guitar you are playing in this lesson. It looks similar to my 1957 Gibson ES 225 T which my dad bought for me in approximately 1959. Mine still looks like new and plays great. Thank you for all the great lessons.

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  58. Laurence D says

    May 30, 2020 at 9:20 am

    Sir, this lesson is just excellent. The light is still less than full brightness, but it’s coming on with your patient and clear instruction. And I’m still on the first part video. Really outstanding. Thank you.

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  59. AlbertoGunz says

    May 31, 2020 at 7:23 am

    Invaluable Guitar Food for the Brain. Thanks Brian!

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  60. Eddie says

    June 1, 2020 at 6:10 pm

    OMG! Light Bulbs Galore. Thanks so much. I have been working on Double Stops and Triads all month and EP362 and 363 were a great help.

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  61. Matt C says

    June 2, 2020 at 6:18 pm

    Learnin stuff. Makin progress. Thanks Brian.

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  62. Peter B says

    June 3, 2020 at 6:51 am

    Absolute classic lesson!

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  63. Michael T says

    June 5, 2020 at 8:10 am

    Brian, I’m enjoying this lesson and the following lesson (363). In this lesson, the G9 that you play with one finger on the 10th fret has the notes D, A, and F. No G and no B I would normally see this a Dm chord, but we can call this “G9 without the root and without the 3rd.” Is that how you see it? That seems to open up a whole box of alternate chords. Thank you. I think your lessons are the best around, and you’re an exceptional teacher.

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  64. Ted S says

    June 6, 2020 at 7:56 am

    Bryan,
    I am a new member, and am primarily a Travis picker who has played in mostly the first position for years. These lessons are really helping me play up the neck, and I am now starting to develop little solo breaks for songs that I have been playing for years. I still use a thumb pick and nails, so when I learn your compositions, they sound more in my style, but to me, that is a good thing. Roy Bookbinder once told me that your left hand is for what you learn, and your right hand is who you are.
    Thanks for what you do.
    Ted

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  65. Jim K says

    June 14, 2020 at 8:32 am

    Good suggestions Brian. I’ve been playing those six string chords for quite awhile, but getting older, it’s challenging to stretch from the 5th fret to the 9th fret for those Major seventh chords. Thanks for the courses.
    Jim K

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  66. Bill w says

    June 18, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    This is the lesson I have been looking for since I started trying to play. Every teacher want you to master “cowboy” chords and barred chords before you learn anything else. I have small hands and this compliments those playing full chords.

    thanks, Bill

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  67. Chuck C says

    June 28, 2020 at 8:05 pm

    I have problems with learning your compositions because they’re not familiar to me. Teach us some songs that we have heard before. Classical Gas or Boogie Woogie or something that is familiar to us.

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  68. Robert R says

    July 8, 2020 at 8:13 pm

    Agreed with evryone. Awesome good lesson. Love the tips and ur way of keeping it simple and digestable.
    I have a question. So far we ve been concentrating on the minor and major pentatonics. This lesson seems to be a different way of approaching solos. How do the patterns here relate to the major and minor pentatonic scales?
    Thanks.

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  69. jseppi says

    July 29, 2020 at 10:17 am

    Great information! thank you. My mind is trying to understand the concept of the 9 chord of the “G Family” can’t light the bulb of moving down 2 frets and getting the 9 chord. A little assistance please. i.e . 1G – 2Am – 3Bm – 4C – 5D – 6Em – 7F#dim – 8G? – 9Am?

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  70. Hugo Arend says

    August 1, 2020 at 3:20 pm

    Gold ! Thanks a bunch ! (From Brasil)…

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  71. THOMAS M says

    August 19, 2020 at 8:29 am

    Please Help me here/hear. I see the G6 triad would be notes A#, D, E,,, what would be a D minor chord pattern with index finger on the 1 string 6th fret. Were as the Em triad is G, B, E , a D minor pattern at the 3rd fret 1st string. But your separate diagrams show the G6 and Em triads both being played at the same location, with what appears to be the same notes …getting confused!

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  72. Maxwell E says

    September 2, 2020 at 2:53 am

    Those grey cells of yours are amazing Brian.
    Really love this one !

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  73. Brad H says

    November 2, 2020 at 8:16 pm

    I can’t believe I’m actually playing this. Slowly of course. But it’s coming together. It may take me awhile to try it in other keys.

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  74. John C says

    November 12, 2020 at 10:58 am

    Fantastic lesson Brian. I learned so much from this. A lot of light bulb moments in here. Thank you. So glad I signed up for premium membership.

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  75. Mr.Charlie says

    December 13, 2020 at 6:53 pm

    triad lessons are my favorite

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  76. Bill B says

    January 21, 2021 at 11:46 am

    Brian, I’m not sure if you’ll see this bc it’s an older lesson, but I just want to say thank you!!! Wow, there is so much in here that I thought I knew or maybe just tended to overlook bc the simplicity of it, but was sadly mistaken. Once I got the original tune down in the key of G, I transposed to A and ——BAM—- light bulbs!! I can’t wait to dive into the next one ( harmonized 3rds/6ths) which is what I was originally looking for. Thanks so much!!!

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  77. Drew D says

    January 21, 2021 at 5:39 pm

    new member here, Just wanted to say that your style of teaching and those jam tracks are off the hook!!! just downloaded all the pdf’s for this wonderful lesson, starting a binder with all the Active Melody notes and tabs and stuff. Thanks once again.

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  78. brokinbo says

    January 24, 2021 at 1:04 pm

    I have a suggestion; if possible in the future. The shapes on the pdf, instead of faceless colored circles, the have the degree number in them. I know you’re trying to keep it simple but seeing the root, 3rd, 5th position etc. would be helpful. Thanks, Absolutely love the site

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    • Russell J says

      October 16, 2021 at 6:44 am

      I agree with this. I printed out the pdf from the video tab breakdown (with the standard notation and the tab) and wrote in all the notes and the 1,3,6 or 5, b7,9 for all the triads. When I did that, it was easier to see what was happening with the 6 to 9 slide. Just putting in the scale degrees on the triad tabs would have been an easier way to do that as well.

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  79. Clem says

    January 29, 2021 at 6:32 am

    Wow, as a beginner I had to watch this several times to get the triads. So much information here nearly blew my mind. I am able to make some of the connections.
    Thank you Brian!

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  80. stephen b says

    January 31, 2021 at 7:42 am

    Hi brian, , im new here and also at guitar ,ive just started to learn the basic chords a,b,c,d,e,f,g in minor and major ive subscribed for a year to learn music and play licks, but as soon as someone starts to move these chord shapes up the neck im totally confused, ive looked at this video a few times and im still clueless im 62 years old ,,,,,maybe ive left it too late, kind regards stephen.

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  81. David S says

    January 31, 2021 at 12:08 pm

    Brian I have really enjoyed your EP362 Triad chord shapes lesson,it has opened up new ideas, I thank you.I must say during this pandemic I really have gotten into your lessons and I sure enjoy it.Stay safe. Dave S

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  82. Richard F says

    February 4, 2021 at 2:31 pm

    I’ve been “faking” T-Bone Walker’s Stormy Monday for years. After completing EP362, I went at it with a totally new vocabulary. Couldn’t put my guitar down. OMG!

    RF

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  83. D L says

    February 5, 2021 at 2:41 pm

    To hear what you can do with this, check out Ronnie Earl’s Pastorale. On Spotify at: spotify:album:2DDjoWNGxn5a1D1q3pIpag

    Just gorgeous.

    Thank you so, Brian!

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  84. DAVID G says

    February 10, 2021 at 9:07 am

    Hi Brian only recently became a Premium member so glad Idid.You have a great way of explaining whats going on and the jam tracks and PDF’s are so helpful.

    Thanks Brian

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  85. Helmut B says

    February 10, 2021 at 11:13 am

    For example, when I compare the 9 and 6 Triads, the A9 and G6 Chord are in the same position. I do not understand this! How is this to be explained?

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  86. Robert M says

    February 10, 2021 at 2:40 pm

    When Brian explains the major and minor triads he says they are the D shape, A shape, and E shape for the Major chords
    and Dm shape, Am shape, and Em shape for the Minor chords. When he explains the Dominat 7 chord he only explains the D7
    shape. Does anyone know what the other two shapes are?
    Thanks

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    • Brian says

      February 10, 2021 at 5:05 pm

      Check out EP362 – (link in the description) – I have a PDF file that shows the dominant 7 triads

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      • Robert M says

        February 12, 2021 at 9:28 am

        Actually I’m on EP362 and I have a copy of the dominant 7 triads PDF.
        The blue colored shape looks to be a D7 shape but the red and black colored
        shapes I’m not about. The black colored shape looks to an A7 shape?
        Thanks

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      • Michael D says

        March 18, 2022 at 5:26 pm

        Brian – I have pored over the triad PDFs but agree with the comment above on the identity of the triads used with the Dominant 7 Chord. One is clearly (as explained by you) a D7 shape. In the video you describe the next G7 triad only as being similar to the D7 shape, but you do not name the shape and you do not provide a shape for the third G triad, although this one appears to be the A7shape. Is the second form just a rephrasing or does it actually have a name?

        I am not trying to be a pain, but having a name for a shape and a reason for the name helps me to remember what goes where. Thanks. This was really a great lesson.

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  87. Gamini R says

    February 19, 2021 at 3:43 am

    Excellent . Lots of very valuable thoughts. Learn a lot. Thanks

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  88. sfbluesman says

    February 21, 2021 at 3:23 pm

    Super Great- to take it a step further I used “Neck Diagrams” and added the intervals in the shapes.
    Brian- to add to this, how about adding the mixolydian diagrams or do a part B segment and do the overlays you did on the YouTube lesson not that long ago.
    This would be a great road to stay on for a while.

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  89. Lynne R says

    March 13, 2021 at 8:57 am

    This lesson is pure gold. I have listened to it 3 times now to digest all of the information . First pass I thought Iwas in over my head…..but it really is not complicated at all. Looking at the chords from the Caged A form shape locked it in for me. Every thing fell into place after that. Thank you Brian for your excellent lessons

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  90. David LC says

    March 20, 2021 at 11:20 pm

    During a long drive today,
    I listened to Artie Traum jazz acoustic. (RIP)
    Becoming comfortable with these 3 position triads, in the 3 different voicings provides a great way to learn many of the lesson tunes and then each tune/song for 3 times longer without sounding repetitive.
    Please do, or point me to a lesson on the harmonized 6th and 3rds . That would be another variation using the same progressions in the tunes.
    Bingo!!
    Mama going to get a whole new sound coming from the kitchen set.
    Everyone comes out a winner.

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    • David LC says

      March 21, 2021 at 2:05 pm

      Never mind It is 363.

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  91. Patrick M says

    April 5, 2021 at 2:02 pm

    Hi Brian. I’ve been a Premium Member for less than a day and already I’m making a request. Ok, here goes: I find your lessons on top 3 string triads (EP 362 and EP 399) a revelation. Would you consider a lesson or lessons on their application to a more folky sound? I’m imagining arpeggios, the bottom note of the triad walking down to the next triad, sus4 and sus2 embellishments, stuff like that. It may not sound as sophisticated, but it sure could be pretty. Nice for accompanying a singer. Thanks, Patrick in New York.

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  92. Ivan says

    April 26, 2021 at 9:55 am

    Great lesson Brian. I would like to see a tag along lesson to this that includes harmonized 6th’s and 3rd’s as you mentioned in the second video.

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  93. David Rinck says

    June 8, 2021 at 5:47 pm

    I lived in Kenya for many years. You might find it interesting that there is an ethnic group in Kenya called Luwo that actually learns the guitar one string at a time, adding an additional string once they have mastered the previous ones. I was in a taxi in Nairobi once with my guitar and the driver surprised me by asking “how many string can you play?” Hahaha, he told me he was “up to three already”! After watching your video, I thought hmmm maybe those guys are on to something.

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  94. Leonard C says

    August 23, 2021 at 7:48 pm

    Found EP-362, Triads Course, from your “Essential Theory” Course. Thanks !! Knew I’ve been missing something is why I’m doing the “Essential Skills Course”. Your courses are great learning tools.

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  95. Drew D says

    September 20, 2021 at 8:34 am

    Brian,, just wanted to say how thankful Iam that you put up those PDF files, I have them on my desk near the guitars for quick reference! I use them all the time. They are amazing. t hanks

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  96. Peter E says

    October 3, 2021 at 10:33 am

    Brian, I switched from JamPlay to ActiveMelody recently, mostly because your lessons are of practical use to me in my playing, and it’s so much easier to find what I’m looking for. (I am 68, halfway between beginner and intermediate, and I like playing the blues.)
    There is one thing JamPlan had that I miss: showing fingering on the videos from different angles simultaneously, so the student can really see what the teacher’s fingers are doing. I am working through Lesson EP-362, and I just can’t tell which of your fingers are playing which strings! And a great deal of the time I can’t even tell which fingers are playing in which frets. Isn’t there some kind of teaching technology that displays this information? On your walk-through videos, in which the music is moving automatically, along with the video, I don’t have a problem. Thanks!

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  97. Dan M says

    October 6, 2021 at 7:44 pm

    Brian – new to you and your site and i am glad that i did this!! love what you do, cant wait to get to your site and turn it on!~!~Question: I am an old guy…..65 years young – like printing your pdf’s, just the notes and tablature are kinda small, harder to read. Bigger notes and tabs could really help many of us!

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    • Eric v says

      October 29, 2021 at 1:50 pm

      I’ve made the same request Dan. A bold, blockier font would be very helpful for my 61 year old eyes.

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  98. Ziggy S says

    October 22, 2021 at 6:22 pm

    Hi Brian,

    ‘picking up on what you mentioned in the part 2 video: Yes, I would be interested in a harmonized sixth, harmonized third lesson.
    Also, this one is a gem – incredible how you make the ideas and theory accessible on 3 strings. Very useful concepts to play with. Simple musical ideas come much more easily.

    Greetings from Melbourne.

    Ziggy

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  99. Michael H says

    October 26, 2021 at 9:50 am

    Im having a hard time with the C6 is an Am concept. Anybody that could explain it to me in a way i could grasp it better or point me in the direction of what to study further.

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    • Michael H says

      October 26, 2021 at 10:04 am

      Also he first calls it a C6 (IV)(16:58) then at 18:24 he calls it an A6. If C6 is just A minor in the key of G, why not just call it Am (ii)?

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  100. Eric v says

    October 29, 2021 at 12:13 pm

    Love your triads lessons, they’re great and very revealing. Perhaps you could do one playing in the mixolydian mode? Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

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  101. Brian F says

    November 3, 2021 at 9:49 am

    WOW, I understand relative minor for each key, but man, I got lost on the first time through with the G6-G9 is the Em triad shape! lol Is it wrong to just say it is a Em triad? It makes more sense to me bc its the Dm chord shape etc.

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  102. patrick c says

    December 20, 2021 at 4:58 am

    Thank you. The triad lessons are awesome.

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  103. Michael M says

    February 1, 2022 at 8:56 pm

    in the third example in the 6 chords tabs, wouldn’t the B6(red dots) start on the 12th fret (G minor chord)? I’m hoping it’s a typo or I’m super confused how it works

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    • Michael M says

      February 1, 2022 at 10:12 pm

      oh ok, i figured it out (maybe), that’s a hard process to reverse engineer. so if I was on G minor triad chord, the relative would be A sharp6- not B6? and then jump up two spots for A sharp9?

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  104. Jdub says

    March 5, 2022 at 1:08 pm

    I feel like I could work on this for a year and not get it all haha! Great information for sure I am very lacking in my theory knowledge. thanks for this

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  105. Ken E says

    March 28, 2022 at 4:47 pm

    I love your teaching style and all of the downloads. I only have one complaint and request. Can you increase the size of the font that you use on your print outs. particularly the music sheets. I can’t read the sheets until I’m to close to play my guitar. If you can bump it up a couple of sizes it would be great.

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  106. John Y says

    April 26, 2022 at 12:53 pm

    This is a great and fun lesson. What I don’t get is the reference to G9. I just don’t see it as a G9 and I’ve looked at a lot of references. The notes of a G9 are GBDFA. References show the G9 for the top strings as ABF, not the ADF. What am I missing here? Or is the shape shown just one of many possibilities?

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  107. Phillip F says

    May 12, 2022 at 10:41 am

    I’m having a hard time with this one and the importance of it is essential. I am thinking about would it help if I make chord stamps or if by doing stamps would I be starting another bad habit?

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  108. Phillip F says

    May 12, 2022 at 1:51 pm

    The charts are nice that you have are really nice I spoke to soon about chord stamps. The Triad lessons are great and like the other lessons too are explained good.
    It’s not easy to find someone online that you can connect with.
    Thank you

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  109. Phillip F says

    May 13, 2022 at 6:17 pm

    I know all the notes and scales and chords.
    I printed all the pdf

    This is my third time watching the first video and completely lost.

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  110. Phillip F says

    May 13, 2022 at 7:08 pm

    Lol, gotta laugh. I sat and looked at the charts. If the triad you want to use the note is on the 2st string , use the D major shape. If it’s on the 1st string then use the shape that is use 6th string barr chord. If the note is on the 3rd string then use the 5th string Barre chord shape.

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  111. Tim A says

    August 19, 2022 at 1:43 pm

    Just reviewing some old lessons, this is such an eye-opener and forgot some of this! Thanks for the reminder!

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  112. Leslie P says

    September 19, 2022 at 11:52 pm

    Have a Question… if this is in the key of G… Why is there no F# in the Key signature. The same also for EP 399
    Leslie

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  113. David H says

    September 24, 2022 at 2:09 pm

    Since I am a premium member, does that mean I should receive weekly lesson on my 👀 pad. dhabermel @icloud.com. Not receiving any… maybe I am wrong? Thanks

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  114. John C says

    November 2, 2022 at 4:22 am

    A nice take on “Blues after Hours”

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  115. Michael B says

    November 9, 2022 at 2:14 am

    Brian,

    You talk about the light bulb going off, well the house finally lit up today!

    The triad diagrams are great and with fret numbers on really helps as well when learning when you are trying to place finger on the right frett quickley.

    The triads bring the scales ALIVE!!!

    This will help me off stagnation hill.

    Many thanks

    Michael

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  116. MICHAEL D says

    December 23, 2022 at 9:41 am

    Wow lots of comments. Just wanted to say terrific lesson and tune! I’ve learned so much. I’m so glad I got your course.

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  117. Michael M says

    January 8, 2023 at 10:16 pm

    iIdont understand the first G 7 triad shape. it seems to consist of a 3rd, 5th, and 7th, but no 1st? No G? Usually I look for the first on a certain string to know where to find it but how do I search for a G without looking for the G. Thanks.

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    • Chuck S says

      March 16, 2023 at 5:29 pm

      Yep, I basically have the same questions. No root note in the chard extensions, so a bit confused here

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  118. chuck l says

    February 9, 2023 at 1:42 am

    At [6:20] you asked if we’d be interested in a “tag-along” to the lesson to address harmonized 3rds and 6ixths and the like. I’m new to AM (and, loving it!), so, you may’ve already provided it. But, I’d sure be interested in a follow-up – this is great stuff!

    Thanks!

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