How to Play I–vi Progressions in C and G Major | Chord by Chord
The Work
In the secret of C major, the I chord is C and the vi is Am. Example 1 reveals the a lot of standard method to link these 2 chords, with open chords. For closed voicings, see Example 2a, with the C chord as a barre shape in third position and the Am in 5th position. For a more streamlined sound, attempt playing simply the top three strings, as revealed in Example 2b. Then play some other barre chords higher on the neck (Example 3).
Proceeding to G major, G is the I chord and Em is the vi. Start with open voicings, as illustrated in Example 4. Remember, you can play that Em with your second and 3rd fingers, as revealed in notation, or your first and 2nd, as I perform in the video. For barre chords in the middle of the neck, take a look at Example 5. In Example 6, you’ll find an effective method of moving in between G and Em on strings 1– 3. First play the G and, keeping that shape held, then simply include the ninth-fret E with either your 3rd or fourth finger, whichever is most comfortable.
Example 7 uses barre chords higher on the neck. Note that you can also play an Em barre chord at the 12th fret, however this isn’t useful on acoustic guitar. As an alternative you might utilize just the top 3 strings at the 12th fret, adding the open sixth string as the root note (E)– see Example 8.
The Outcome
Now you should have among the most typical moves in popular music under your fingers– the I– vi development. A song that uses the I– vi in G major is Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” which also includes other chords you currently understand: C, Am, and D. Practice this up until the next lesson, when you’ll discover a new chord type, lessened.
