D by ear: chords

Chords help you find the melody notes. Learn the basic chords for old-time D tunes so you can quickly learn new tunes by ear. Covers D, G, and A in two positions each.

For a PDF of the chord shapes and fretboard map, go to:

http://banjomeetsworld.wordpress.com/2008/09/29/d-by-ear-two-lessons/

--Cathy Moore

Category:

Music

Tags:

• clawhammer
• banjo
• lessons
• chords

[tunapicker]

Thanks I'll watch it. Technical question. What guage strings do you use and how high is your string action. You have great tone.

[BanjoMeetsWorld]

My action is a little over 1/8" (5/32) and the strings are D'Addario mediums. The banjo is an old Stewart pot with a Fiberskyn head and new neck.

[tunapicker]

Most excellent! Would you consider posting Forked Deer. Your music is great!

[BanjoMeetsWorld]

I'm glad you liked the video. My goal is to give people the skills to learn common tunes on their own, and I hope this video is helpful.

YouTube user Banjer has a good video of Forked Deer. Notice how the player hammers on into a partial high D shape at the beginning of the A melody; you could play the entire first measure in the high D shape. You'll also briefly use the G shape at the 3rd fret, and the B melody uses the same run on the fourth string that appears in my other "D by ear" video.

[Fratellitime]

@BanjoMeetsWorld Hi i have been learning how to clawhammer and i have been having problems i cant figure out how to clawhammer an A chord, D chord, E chord, and B chord seeing on how the 5th string isnt used and all i can do at the moment is clawhammer whats should i do??

[UKLiverpoolRon]

Excellent, very clear explanation and visuals, great

[YoppyKyabetsu]

And, if you know guitar chords, when they start a song you don't know, you can watch the guitar player's left hand. I have had many a guitar player wonder why I am staring at them so intently.