Movable Chords
The basic chords you have learned in the previous lessons can be moved up and down the guitar. The D, Dm, F, Fm, Bb, Bm and D7 all can be moved according to the Chromatic Scale - which is simply the order of the notes used in Western music.
| D | Dmin | F | Fmin |
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| Bb | Bmin | D7 | A7 |
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Some notes have two names - C# is the same as Db and etc.
Another way of memorizing this scale would be to say there is a sharp or flat between all notes, except E and F and B and C. Actually, your whole guitar works this way. Individual notes go up the strings in the same way. It's important to know the note names so when you learn the scales and you know your note names, you will be able to play the scales all over the guitar.
To have a good knowledge of chords is important because it gives you more variety in chord sounds, plus many lead guitar players build their leads with and around chords. Take for example the D chord in the first position and compare it to the D chord in the Bb position. You will see the order of notes in the D chord in the first position is: D - A - D and F#. If you look at the order of notes in the Bb position of the D chord, you will see the order of the notes is (if barred): D - A - D - F# and A.
If you play a D in the first position and go to G, your top melody note will go from F# to G. If you play D (in the Bb position), your top notes will go from A to G. This might sound small but these variations in chords are the basis of harmony and composition. It also gives other melodies in your soloing and chording.
Below are the names of your strings:
6 5 4 3 2 1
E A D G B E