Session 1:

  • Why knowing about chords isn’t just about strumming
  • The importance of building chords “from scratch” first (not relating them to scales)
  • A practical definition of a chord
  • Why a Power Chord isn’t really a chord
  • Identifying intervals
  • The important intervals for building chords
  • Easy formula for finding those intervals on the Guitar neck, on any string

Session 2:

  • “Stacking” 3rds, to create a triad
  • The formula for Major triads
  • How the classic “open” chord shapes work
  • Breaking out of those “run of the mill” chord shapes that everyone else uses
  • How bands with two Guitars create complementary parts
  • The formula for Minor triads
  • The formulas for Diminished & Augmented triads
  • Finding the notes for any type of triad, on one string

Session 3:

  • How to practice building triads
  • Creating your own, interesting chord shapes
  • Why it’s best to focus on Major, Minor, and Diminished triads
  • Metal applications for riffs