The "L Shape" That Unlocks Chord Progressions

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You can literally play thousands of songs once you understand this.
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[@sngwrter49]

Nice, easy way to learn chord progressions in a major key. Most of the time I like to play rock or blues in a "minor" key. You can use this same technique by turning the "L" shape to the left, toward the guitar's headstock (5th string, two frets to the left on a right-hand guitar) to find the minor 3rd chord, then back two frets to the right for your "perfect 4th" chord to learn the I - III - IV chord progression in a minor key. For example, 6th string, 3rd fret is "G". 5th string, 1st fret is "B flat", 5th string, 3rd fret is "C". Therefore, in the key of "G minor", "G" is the 1st, or root chord, "B flat" is the minor 3rd (next chord in the minor progression) and "C" is the "perfect 4th", or the highest chord in the minor I - III - IV progression. So, from the root note (any note of the player's choice) on any fret of the 6th string, it is "L Left" for the minor key and "L Right" for the major key based on the note of your choice on the 6th string. Easy peasy and forever useful for learning many songs in either major or minor keys.

[@L33M_0]

Even though I’m an experienced guitar player and I know this stuff, I still learn from these videos. Love the vids man!! Keep em coming!

[@ahmedparker1650]

you probably dont give a shit but if you guys are stoned like me atm you can stream all of the new movies and series on InstaFlixxer. Have been binge watching with my gf these days :)

[@bengarland]

I dig these videos Mike. Unlike a lot of guitar teachers, your stuff is highly practical and you get straight to the point. Thanks for keeping the videos short and sweet!

[@kurtturner5120]

Awesome teacher and video. Thanks for all of your help!

[@10secASMR]

Thanks Mike for sharing, these videos that you put together are awesome, to the point, good level of detail and enough technical and music theory explanation.

[@ricajhanedulnuan5933]

Loved it.. Very useful to learn more guitar notes..thanks a lot for this videos Sir. Rica from Philippines.

[@thedisciple1764]

Thanks a million for posting this. I've never seen it presented this way. It instantly "clicked" for me and will be a huge help with my rhythm improvisation routine. I'm heading over to the website to see what the "T" shape is all about. Thanks Mike.

[@1200rexer]

Fantastic just like to say thank you for this i have been putting chord progression off a little but seeing this lesson has opened my eyes

[@albertnoriega199]

Very smooth nice . Keep up the good work.

[@cosmiccomedy7394]

I recently came across a lesson very similar to this that was showing a pattern to know all the chords of a key. It was basically everything you did but he also showed how moving up two frets from the root gives you the two chord n then two more for the third chord. Both minor of course. And then finished it with the diminishes chord. It was extremely helpful to me and opened my eyes alot. I'm sure you know what I mean. You could easily turn this into a lesson on a pattern to Know the chords of a key. Anyway you rock Mike I hope it works out with Taylor.

[@lanceamicinew]

great teaching method... really helps visualization. much thanks

[@SwimCycleRunCoach]

Excellent, nicely put over - cheers

[@downhill240]

Very nice lesson!

[@StevenBucknall]

thank you for such a great lesson. i have never thought about it that way. i usually just play what sounds right and nice. i'm very bad, usually i don't even hear note names just sound and what sounds good... you are a good teacher

[@mlomuscio]

That was terrific. Thank you

[@basunmedia]

Wow thank you soo much for your teaching style

[@jcctech307]

Great lesson!

[@theblytonian3906]

Hi Mike. Having been an instructor in difficult disciplines unavoidably involving a dynamic teaching/learning environment for most of my professional life, and having myself been at times subjected to formally qualified "Instructors" who shouldn't ever have been regardless of their own personal prowess, and at times otherwise, at the actual skill, I just want to comment that you are an *extraordinary instructor* . It's self evident to anyone with the experience of teaching professionally with even a base modicum of actual ability at doing so, or has been taught anything by both those who can, and those who can't, that you have not only put a great deal of thought and preparation into the construction and preparation of your lessons, but, you also have 'the' gift ..... You are a what in any profession would be called a natural. Thank you for sharing. It's such a pleasure taking instruction from you.

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Wow that was an awesome comment to read. Thank you kindly.

[@allentaylor3325]

Agreed. He's not a shredder, show-off guy. Just a Jedi Knight of guitar instruction.

[@allentaylor3325]

Very patient.

[@AC5SH]

Amen.

[@jamesbuivid3248]

I agree. Too many instructors try to impart information and fall short, where you actually taught me something I will remember. Excellent

[@smoothjazz2626]

I like your ™ teaching sir. It will help me a lot. Thank you

[@clementbretanno1116]

Good teacher. Very eaay explanation on guitar playing.

[@house-ghost]

Good one Mike, thanks!

[@rodrickgivens2565]

Love it great lesson

[@Zer0_1899]

Thanks for another great lesson. Hope You make another artist series. I will love to see the Iron Maiden essential techniques!

[@brianconnolly3267]

You're the best, Mike!

[@benjaminsmall8446]

awesome lesson

[@Chopik1149]

Clean. Simple. And thanks!

[@unsaltedskies]

Wow. I know chord-fu. Thanks Mike!

[@paulmeinart2851]

U r good dude. Good presentations. To the point. It's what we look for. Thanks

[@berpyderpy9301]

This is the best channel for learning guitar

[@1straycat99]

MIKE'S A AWESOME TEACHER .YEA I BIN PLAYING BEFORE ANY YOU TUBE AND THIS THAT ...HE'S SIMPLY SIMPLIFY FOR BEGINNERS . TO GET IDEAS IF STUCK . TO USE YOUR BRAIN SOME ... AND I HAND IT TO HIM TAKING HIS TIME AND HE'S A GOOD GUY....BEST TO YA MIKE

[@tobstershangout9013]

Very helpful thanks!

[@mrrayger]

This lesson is amazing...

[@amsmarle]

An excellent video thanks

[@ray3mondo]

Excellent. Thanks.

[@jeffspirdione8135]

Due to a crush injury on my left fingers it's difficult to play standard chords, but now I have an idea how to sit around and play some songs. Thank you for this video, it's a big help to me.

[@ampecsu]

did you buy the ChordBuddy?

[@bornflex2975]

Great teaching

[@anonymooseanonymouse6371]

Another amazing video

[@autocrow]

Good lesson! I knew this, but never heard it described this way before. Easy is good. You can always learn more theory later.

[@PaulBadman]

As some one who has been playing for around 17 years now I find these vids very informative,Mainly because I skipped theory and started learning iron maiden.My girlfriend is a massive music nerd and has been playing violin since she was 5 and very often she would say "play a G chord for me" and I will look at her blank face.....It's a bit like trying to play music with Phoebe from Friends

[@richsackett3423]

And you're Phoebe, right?

[@glensmith654]

If after 17yrs playing you dont know a G chord i would sell your guitar.

[@vjoee2726]

Paul Badman then play the old lady chord (fyi friends reference)

[@MEDINAHSHRINER]

Don't them bother you they have no real life LOL

[@Devi_Shammuramat]

Yeh, well don't bother with someone who thinks most songs are in Major [like this guy]; if you're into metal. For that, you should stick to minor / minor pentatonic.

[@ajinkyapatil4987]

I have been doing this for a while...but didnt realise its an `L` shape. Thanks for the lesson

[@barryoneill1703]

Your very helpful. Thank You.

[@2muchgear750]

Good work.

[@garyneal1577]

good job...... simplicity is always best

[@MLFranklin]

I've had 145 drilled into my head for a few years by my guitar teacher and had that reinforced with the L or "allen wrench" pattern." And I've heard of 1645 songs, but had not heard of that connected to a new "extended L" shape. Thanks for the education. Every trick helps.

[@davem62290]

Thanks, great info..

[@cosmicycococo]

That guitar sounds dope man

[@nuudelimuusikko1608]

Thank you

[@steelkeez7700]

For a true beginner this was super cool and informative 😎

[@nickpappas6109]

Great video

[@johndeeregreen4592]

Root, 4th, 5th. This is why I teach scales, modes, and how chord tones are derived from them first.

[@khalidali6659]

another great video

[@dave101t]

You are such a calm teacher John, I love your movies too! (John Cusack)

[@MEDINAHSHRINER]

Thank you sir L a lot great simple stuff very important

[@lindarice9087]

Very cool.."great info"

[@sandman365TTi]

Instructions unclear , wrote a full concerto instead

[@AGBuzz182]

wait.... are you mike shinoda?

[@chaoticneutral1090]

Mike totally crushing on the t-swift :D

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

Very cool. 😎

[@Blake_.Dryden]

Thanks

[@bandicoot5412]

Nice, having trouble conveying, because of those horrid blocks that get in our way, and this helps greatly.

[@Germoney2000]

Many thanks for this helpful bit of Information... I figured out for myself what the "T" is...

[@brokenacoustic]

The top on that guitar has a nice shimmer to it.

[@hansvonpetersen5011]

another L-Shape to tought would be two strings down and two freets (is this right spelled?) torwards. For Example with G like in this lesson. First note will be G (6th string, 3rd freet) and the second note will be G (4th string, 5th freet) as well. Its the same note but just one octave higher. This works with the first 4 string. For the B string you just have to go three steps up. and the higher e string is just like the first string. since i've realised this it helped me a lot. For example since this time i know how to build powerchords based on the D string.

[@thatdude3938]

i've got idea for this kind of videos: why it's important to look less (or don't look at all) at neck when playin'

[@tammieschiller397]

Hi love your videos! But this one you didn’t explain thoroughly what to press after initially showing the L shape, the first finger yes but the other fingers to hold down for the G,C,D ( not the open chords, the barre ones etc down the neck). Please wisdom explain

[@Valsi876]

That is a nice, rich sounding guitar.

[@stevehogan8829]

Hey, I think this is exactly what I was looking for... I have no training but know how to make what I call three or 4 chord progressions on a piano... by that I mean C A m F G... I am able to go to the next key and do this for m,ost of the various keys... ie C or E or A or F or G. It looks like this is going to allow me to use this method to figure that out with out flopping all over the fretboard.

[@stufffromthepast123]

I've never heard of the L shape. How long has this been around?

[@jessereine4409]

Where's the Knopfler?

[@lethalbanana12]

Can u use this shape any where on the neck?

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Like most things on guitar it works on any two consecutive strings except the G and B strings.

[@joshuarajendran5839]

The-Art-of-Guitar how come it doesn't work? I'm still learning my theory

[@chaosbringer2641]

It doesnt work because all the strings are a perfect fourth apart but the G and B strings are only a major third apart perfect fourth is 2 whole steps and a half step and a major third is just 2 whole steps

[@AirsoftTechLogan]

Joshua Rajendran in simple, the jump from the g string(3rd) to b(2nd) is not the same distance as the jump from the e string(6th) to the a string(5th), but b(2nd) to high e(1st) is the same distance. you have to play one fret higher on the b(2nd) to play the same shape, so the L would work, but you have to play one fret higher for the notes on the b(2nd) string, unfortunately, thats as simple as i can explain it, hope this helps

[@groovemoustache]

A simple visualisation: There's a neat trick to tune your guitar (in standard tuning), the 5th fret on a bigger string is how the next smaller string is supposed to sound (So 5th fret on big E string is how the A string should sound, 5th fret on that A string is how the next string, D, should sound, etc). You can do that everywhere on your guitar EXCEPT on those two strings (G to B), where your need to play the bigger string (G) on the 4th fret to make it sound like a B. So, because that B strings is 1fret lower, you need to move the L shape pattern down one fret on the string, so its becomes kind of like a crochet. (let say you play fret 9 on Gstring (9), instead of going to the same fret on B string, you need to bring all the shape down, so it starts on 8 on Bstring (8-10-12) while still keeping that 9 on the Gstring) If you consider that, you'll start to understand why the different patterns are the way they are on the guitar (or why if you play the 12th fret on the big E string, you can actually play the same note as 7th fret on the G string because a fret "X" on a string is "X - 5" on the next smaller string [except G to B where it's "X - 4"]) Maybe Mike can do a quick video on that eventually.

[@giltyakhtar]

for some reason, the way he plays the g,c and d notes remind me of a song which i think i heard on guitar hero

[@EverythingsConnected.]

still looking for the "T shape" video but, I have been going around in an "O shape" trying to find it. Is this listed under a different video title other than "T shape" or is there an En-harmonic Video Title equivalent?

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Oh the entire lesson is on my lesson site The-Art-of-Guitar.com. Level 2

[@mikehink4062]

Haters gonna hate lol. You would think we would all know that the YT comment sections are a cesspool of inflated ego's, trolls, and bad grammar but I still find myself looking. Your videos are great. A lot of us can play the hell out of a guitar but know nothing in regards to theory, especially us self-taught guys. I've been playing for 15 years or so, can play a variety of styles, and have 40+ original songs but until a few weeks ago, I couldn't have told you off the top of my head what note the 16th fret of the A string was, etc. Without taking 5 seconds to do the "math" of 12 is A so 16 would be... it's the little things. I and a lot of you just want to get better because as good as anyone thinks they are, outside of savants they could be better and more knowledgeable. I wish I would have taken an interest in the theory side of it earlier but it's never too late and I really enjoy your videos. Glad I found your channel and keep up the great work - a lot of us genuinely appreciate it.

[@Chowderslam]

I've watched a lot of tutorials and yours have helped me a lot and I've been thinking about purchasing the online courses. If you can reply with the prices I would really appreciate it

[@TheArtofGuitar]

$10.95 per month

[@leif1075]

@@TheArtofGuitar can you Provide guitar tabs or Sheet musixmc for the chords?

[@ericheine2414]

I am 59 years old. Didn't really learn to play guitar. I learned to make it sound like this. These ego free lessons. They're so much nicer then hanging out with a bunch of guys doing chin-ups on each other. Thank you. Iron American Dream on KZbin.

[@jonathonwright594]

I've seen some people play the C major barre chord with an A shape opposed to the E shape - is there a significant difference between the two?

[@daicon2k6]

Jonathon Wright To play a C barre chord with the A shape you'd play it at the 3rd fret. Using the E shape, it would be at the 8th fret.

[@Jesus-nq9mj]

First? Thanks for these tutorials, I love watching them, even in topics I'm already familiar with.

[@bobmcklv]

Thanks for all the time you take with this stuff. It helps old farts like me,.

[@arottie4097]

T shape anybody? Including the notes in the key of G?? Thanx in advance to anyone that may know!? This channel Rocks. Literally!!! : )

[@oneeyemonster3262]

Keys are just PITCH...if you can play in C Major/A minor...you can play in any KEY..The C major scale has the same intervals as G Major... You;re not on the Piano...it's a guitar...Use the fretboard like a slide ruler. LEARN INTERVALS..not so much alphabets.... In other words...you need to learn the fret board from the 8th to 12 fret. if you havnt..... It's just the I, IV, V chord progression..then VI Since it's in G MAJOR...pretend the E minor is the 5th fret...you know the A minor pentatonic...Pretend the E minor at the 7th fret is the nut or where you would place a capo. ROOT/TONIC of the naturall/relative minor You can simply make that E minor chord. Then lift your pinky to play the G note at the 10th fret... Whalla the relative MAJOR...as if it was the C Maj chord at the nut area. He didnt show you the INVERSION or when the TONIC is on the A string D..................................4...........5 A..................................R............ E....................4............5............. Music theory is EASIER than you think.... There's 4 other diatonic none cluster note PARALLEL scales I'll show you in A minor...it's actually easier to play in E minor...becuase there's more fretboard on the low side. The count starts on the NATURAL minor (relative minor as the TONIC) In A minor.....A min = I....D min = IV......E min = V The Major scale INTERVAL is just a REFERENCE. b3, b6, b7 = Natural minor...Those notes are also the SECOND ARPEGGIO of the I, IV, V chords Push these notes up....G#........F#, G#....D#, F#, G#........(Eb, G#) You basically going to change the V chord...then IV , V...then II ,V INTO MAJOR or DOMINANT So practice changing those chords back and forth from min to Maj...visa vera Youre basically PUSHING UP from A minor to A MAJOR. If you played C#, F#, G#...it'll simply be A MAJOR It's common for the V to get changed to a major Hotel Ca...Sultan of swing, Blood stone..ect Lots of pop.rock,metal songs. The Beatles use it alot more than you think..Different ways to example...they would play the D as D7 into G Maj..then A minor.lmao but it's in C Major/Aminor as the PARENT scale. It;s actaully simple...They simply use the A melodic minor ...sub the D min with D7.... Kind of like stairway to heaven..The G# aug and D Maj are borrowed from A melodic minor reverse the process...from the C MAJOR to C minor b6 = Harmonic MAJOR....the IV or F into minor ( Ab) b3 = Melodic minor b3, b6 = Harmonic minor b3, b5, b6 = Harmonic minor b5 ( III of Hungarian MAjor) (N6) Harmonic minor b2 or melodic minor b2 example...lets say you were in E minor. If you use the E harmonic minor b2...You can make F as Fmaj7 It's bascailly help you shift key to A minor or D minor.lol If you use the melodic minor b2...it'll bascailly change it to F aug it'll help you modulate to D Harmonic minor...ect The D melodic minor....D min = I.....E min II....F aug = III G7 = IV....A7 = V....B dim = VI.....C# dim = VII It;'s easier for you to comprehend it at first in ONE KEY. You can basically shift keys on the fly and drive piano players NUTZ.lmao

[@Lughnerson]

I think it is the 1, m6, 4, 5 progression. (G, Em, C, D)

[@WeyounSix]

1:01 "ahh she said its cold outside as she hands me my raincoat..."

[@vKarl71]

It would be helpful for beginners if you used a camera angle on the closeups that would show your finger positions clearly.

[@dr.purple3315]

6:34 WHAT A BEAUTIFUL FACE I HAVE FOUND IN THIS PLACE ALL AROUND THE SUN

[@MrAltrobe]

Little good idea!! ;-)

[@qaximi]

The L shape is good for Major keys only I IV V vi progressions, BUT, There are a lot of songs on Minor keys mostly Am, what will be the shape for minor Keys ? Everyone is interested to have that shape too.

[@TheArtofGuitar]

The L shape works for minor too. Not the extended L tho.

[@qaximi]

how does it work ? on the same direction? Majors use 1-4-5, what about minor progressions?

[@UncleSquatch]

Oh hai Mike

[@patriarchy484]

I-IV-V chord progression. If you know what key the song is in odds are the song will follow this chord progression. These chords just work well together. Learn the cowboy chord shapes for major and minor chords, then memorize what notes are on the 3rd, 5th, & 7th frets for the 5th & 6th strings. Bam! Your whole world opens up once you learn that stuff.

[@mikeschmedly]

Do you know of any sites I can read about this? I'd like to learn more on this...

[@kswannie]

Check out the 'CAGED' stuff on here - movable shapes that are based on the open chord shapes

[@maxpower892]

1:57 SAVAGE (but true)

[@hoguemusic9706]

You literally have Keanu Reeves hair. Frickin awesome

[@fadeskywards1245]

Hes breathtaking

[@deltafour1212]

Not really. Mike at least showers and washes his hair

[@snomad2248]

"A lot of 90's songs go like that" - Made me laugh.

[@johnhoolihan9452]

Great video! Many, many songs written in key of G. Including many of mine!

[@brianknickerbocker8518]

Thank you, finally I can do something. Tough when missing half of your middle finger.

[@unmapa5767]

I like old lady and bear claw like Phoebe in Friends

[@nateklug5933]

If you change the progression a lil and add an a minor you can play wish you were here by Pink Floyd

[@G40s_WW]

The song you played at 6:30 sounded a lot like Eagle Eye Cherry

[@jamesryan4147]

Eintrachtminecrafter think it's 'closing time' or something

[@3cardmonty602]

Thanks for the "trick" Mike. After 3 years of lessons with my former guitar teacher, he never showed me that. Ugh!!!

[@gagmangraham]

Buddiy Ollie,,,Who is John Cusack?

[@elwoodbelews6694]

why didnt you just do the two l's and show last 2 chords?

[@harrisongacer3391]

I thought this was a Taylor Swift guitar technique vid

[@paterson90]

No, it's better than that...

[@jameslifetimelearner]

Sharp kitten congrats

[@sydsmith809]

Remembered copyright law at 6:45