Open Position Chords

The next chord type to work with is the dominant 7th. These chords are extremely important in defining „key centers“ and, along with the major and minor chords you already learned, they make up the twenty-one open chords that are the backbone of guitar. You will see all of these shapes reappearing further up the neck in the higher positions. Therefore, it is best to become very familiar with these twenty-one shapes in open position so you have a solid foundation in the continuing study of the guitar neck and its intricacies.

Dominant 7th Chords

• First, study the seven shapes and get a feel for each. • Then observe the relationship between the major triad and the dominant 7th chord with the same letter name. Only one note is different! Which string is different? • Dominant 7ths have four notes in them, one more than major and minor triads. See if you can sing (hear) the „extra“ note.

Basic moves with dominant 7th chords only:

Playing „basic moves“ with dominant 7th, minor and major chords: