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In the Part 1 of this lesson, we learned how to play the chords E, A, B, and C#m. In this lesson, we’ll learn different voicings of E, A, and B.
The two basic shapes
The E shape
To play these different voicings, we’ll move two basic shapes around the fretboard. The first shape is the basic E shape.
This is the regular E major chord, played on the 2nd and 1st frets. We can use this shape to play both an A and a B chord. To play an A, slide the shape up to the 7th and 6th frets:
To play a B, slide it up two more frets to the 9th and 8th frets:
The B Shape
The next shape we’ll use is the B shape. This is the open B shape on the 4th and 2nd frets:
To play a C#m, slide it up to the 6th and 4th frets:
To play an E, slide it up to the 9th and 7th frets:
Recap
In conclusion, you can use the E shape to play the chords E, A, and B:
And you can use the open B shape to play B, C#m, and E:
Songs using these chords
Hosanna by Brooke Fraser (Hillsong) is a great example of using these alternate voicings.
Love it! 😀
Thanks!
Thanks Brian Your the Man! 🙂
This is great ! Thanks Brian !
Hey Brian!! I’m confused with the amazing love tutorial. You give the whole strumming pattern, but not the strumming for each chord you play. Could you please show me!!!! Thank you I would SO appreciate it
Hi how do you get the notes to play in different ways.
Hi Leandro – I’m not sure I understand what you are asking exactly.
Let me just say, HALLELUJAH!!! Before this vid, I was thinking that I would NEVER be able to play without crippling my fingers trying to contort them all over the fret board!!!! I’ve always wanted to learn guitar, but could never afford to take lessons!! As a vocalist, and strings player wannabe, with five kids and a tight budget, I searched the web for FREE guitar lessons, and found YOU!! Thanks for all you do in Jesus name, Brian Wahl!!!!
Thank you so much, Crystal!
Hey, awesome chords and i love playing them i just have 1 question, Where are the root note or name of those chrods because i am looking at the fret position and it does not match the note, i dont know if i am doing something wrong please help 🙂 God bless
I was trying to find the part 1 of this lesson, but it is MIA. my real interest is about C#m and how it is played… I am trying to use the barre chord but it sounds off on all the songs I’ve tried it on. love the lessons though, please keep it up!
Thanks Mike. I found it! http://www.worshiptutorials.com/guitar-lessons/guitar-chords-in-the-key-of-e/
Incredible! Finally a clear explanation of various ways of playing chords. Thank you. GBY