Mandolin Apprentice - Posted - 10/05/2017:  18:22:11

Hi everyone! I was wondering if anyone knows any chord positions for up the neck. I know the basic ones for the first few frets, but while we were jamming with a friend the other day, I noticed that she was sometimes playing chords closer to the bridge, instead of closer to the tuning pegs. It sounded nice, and I would like to be able to learn how to do it. Thanks!

Banjo Lefty - Posted - 10/05/2017:  18:41:15

Me, too!

MandoTom2 - Posted - 10/05/2017:  19:59:04

I've never been fond of chord books or chord encyclopedias.



They're good for 'reference' purposes when you're in a pinch for time...



I've owned the best of what's out there and they mostly collected dust, once my immediate need and/or curiosity was satisfied.



From age 20 to age 30, I took guitar lessons from a degree'd teacher.



My initial goal was to learn to read music.



I did, indeed, learn to read music (and tablature) in those years...



She also used a term I had never heard of before...



"Theory"...



Music theory...



Basically it is the 'science' end of music.



It helps you learn and understand what a chord is, how it relates to the key it is in, how it relates to chord progressions and songs, etc.



As a youth and a young man, I always felt insecure and inferior in academic situations.



I was great at English and Fine Art, but terrible at Math and related subjects.



My outstanding music teacher, however, saw things in me I didn't see...



She believed I could learn music theory and ultimately, she was right.



It takes time and has to be taken in steps, but with time, you definitely progress upwards in your knowledge and skills...



You can't read a book in one day and the next day be an expert.



All of the useful music theory information I know now, will fit on 2 or 3 pages...



I haven't needed or purchased a chord book in 25 years...



In fact, I have not even owned a chord book for 6+ years...



Folks that are working on music degrees learn music theory as a requirement.



You can't get a degree without learning it.



And, I believe, it would be very difficult to be a professional musician of any caliber, without a healthy knowledge of music theory.



When you don't understand music theory, you are always at a disadvantage.



You are dependent on books, web sites and others for useful information that you absolutely need.



When you DO understand music theory, it is amazing what you can accomplish with very little effort.



I would add, that just buying a theory book and starting in may not get you where you want to be...



Your best bet, in my educated opinion, is to take 'Basic Ear Training' and "Basic Music Theory" at the local community college level.



That way, your learning happens over time, so you can absorb and retain it.



And you have an educated professional helping you. Someone you can ask your many questions of.



There are no short-cuts, no easy paths to success...



My brother is a classical pianist and studied and practiced like a dedicated mad man for 10 years before leaving for college.



He came home from college one weekend and asked me why so many guitarists play 'by ear' and the same for many pianists to in the gospel music business.



I gave him the above advice on classes at a community college, which he just happened to live next to.



It was probably the only time in his life or mine when he actually took my advice for anything...



For him, a dedicated and driven individual, it paid off...



He knows scale theory, chord theory and he is unstoppable...



I would suggest some outstanding books here, but I believe the best course of action is the community college classes and a skilled, degree'd teacher.



Hope this helps...



BTW: Wikipedia: "Music Theory", "Chord Theory" and "Scale Theory" are good references.



MandoTom2

Edited by - MandoTom2 on 10/05/2017 20:10:29

MandoTom2 - Posted - 10/05/2017:  20:17:04

Oh, I forgot...

Once the above-mentioned education is obtained, you will have no trouble findings chords anywhere on the neck of your instrument.

It will also give you amazing insight into figuring out other musical instruments...

And, the education gained will with be with you the rest of your life...

MandoTom2

Edited by - MandoTom2 on 10/05/2017 20:26:42

fulltimerart - Posted - 12/23/2017:  04:05:14

WOW! I was looking for an easy answer too but that does make sense. Looks like I will have to look for a class. Never too late to learn (I am 75 and having fun with my mando!)

mmuussiiccaall - Posted - 12/25/2017:  20:43:27

Here's the formulas to play 384 of them anywhere up and down the neck. Either ask questions on this thread or take the chart to a teacher that knows chord theory on any fretted instrument.

Edited by - mmuussiiccaall on 12/25/2017 20:45:52

Mando chords