How to Turn 8 Guitar Chords into 24!
This is a really cool and easy way to take all of your standard open chords on guitar and multiply them by 3! The only requirement is that you know how to play any one of the following basic open chords:
C, A, G, E, D, Am, Dm & Em
Welcome to what I like to call the +5 +2 Method.
Start by using a C major chord in it's normal, open position (the one with the fretting hand index finger at fret 3 of the A string)
Make sure your hand position is correct and that all 5 notes are ringing out (remember, we don't play the low E string when playing a C chord)
Move this chord shape up the neck 5 frets but maintain the open string notes, this is your first bonus chord, an F Major7add2 (I know the name looks complex, but just concentrate on the sound here)
Now, move this chord up an additional two frets while again, maintaining those beautiful open strings, this is your second bonus chord, a G6
Repeat this same process with all of the open chords mentioned above and suddenly you've taken 8 chords and turned them into 24!
Important: As you apply this method to each chord, just make sure you're strumming the same number of strings with your pick as you would with chord in it's starting position. For example above, C Major only has 5 strings, so it still only has 5 strings when you move the shape up the next. E Major, would have all 6 strings, D Major, 4 strings etc.
If you want more clarity on this method, you can find it by watching the video below:
About The Author
Aaron Carrington is the founder of Carrington Guitar Academy in Bath, UK. Specializing in personalized guitar lessons, Aaron tailors each lesson plan to meet the individual goals of his students, helping them master their favorite songs and develop their skills. If you're interested in guitar lessons, contact Aaron to book a FREE trial lesson.
After graduating from the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in London, Aaron performed at prestigious venues such as Buckingham Palace, The Savoy, and The London Eye. He’s also been a key figure in the UK wedding and corporate gig scene, and his international performances include high-profile residencies across the Middle East. With this extensive experience, Aaron now shares his expertise full-time through private lessons and YouTube content creation.
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