From Cowboy to Jazz Chords.
Chords to add to your vocabulary - "B Chords."
One of the first lessons I talk about with my new students is about learning, playing and adding new chords to their vocabulary. Most beginners usually start off learning easy open-string chords - or as some call them: “Cowboy” chords. However, in order to learn how to expand or extend these simple chords and be able to eventually play just about any song you wish, you will need to progressively add more and more intermediate and advanced chords to your list.
Adding chords to your vocabulary.
Many of these chords have strange names with strange numbers and symbols attached to them. There really is no need to feel intimidated by these seemingly complex chords. They’re just different, that’s all. The great part is that most of the chords have interesting, exotic sounds and colors to them. Some of them are “Barre” chords, which can take a little more effort and hand strength to play, but will eventually become necessary chords in your vocabulary.
Regardless, there are many more interesting chords you can learn and play, than just playing the same old, basic beginner “Cowboy” chords. You don’t always need to know why or how the chords are given the names they have, or where the names even come from. A better understanding of basic music theory applied to chord structures is normally a lesson that comes later, to explain these aspects.
The “B” Chords.
The following tablature exercises include many of the “B” chords you should add to your vocabulary. They range from beginner chords to (what I refer to as) intermediate or (Jazz) chords. Get familiar with the name and shape of each chord.
You will find Major, minor, 7th’s and minor 7th’s (blues), diminished, diminished 7ths, half-diminished 7ths, Major 6th’s, 7th’s, 9th’s (jazz), and a few extended chords.
Practice these chords everyday. Learn their names, shapes and sounds.