Description
In this MicroLesson (ML049) you’ll learn how to play a 1, 4, 5 chord progression (used in blues, rock, and country) by playing the chords in 3 different positions up the neck. This will allow you to easily change keys and play them in any key without the need for a capo. You’ll also be able to use these positions when playing lead by targeting specific chord tones.
Free Guitar Lesson
Video Tablature Breakdown
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adam-quin says
Hell yeah this is helpful thanks Brian!
BeachBill says
Wow, this is one of those “light bulb” lessons for me. My understanding of the fretboard has increased a LOT over the last 30 minutes. Thank you, Brian.
James T says
I agree! LIghtbulb moment! Simple and powerful conceptual design useful understanding! Thanks.
JoLa says
This microlesson is a big “light bulb” moment for me, too! I had to look at the tabs and listen to the lesson twice to understand but I got it!
And how come, after a few years of playing, I only now started hearing of triads…?
Oh, there’s so much to learn! Thank you, Brian, for those short and easily digestible lessons.
scattercreek says
Another great mini lesson Brian! Thanks.
Gene
Tremelow says
Very helpful lesson, Brian. Thanks!
David R says
I’ve said it before, what a great ML this is, Thanks Brian.
Aussie Rick says
Another great little lesson Brian. Love these bite-size gems.
Rick
Aussie Rick says
Brian – you mention that once you’re able to play a 1,4,5 chord progression at different places on the neck, then you can start to incorporate those chords into your lead playing. Would love to see a lesson that demonstrated this some time.
Rick
scattercreek says
Hey Brian,
On the Soundslice it says “key of c” for all three keys if you scroll down and look just below the bpm of 85. That might be confusing to some.
Gene
Brian says
Hey Gene, good catch! Thank you for letting me know. I have corrected the tabs and soundslice. You may need to refresh your browser to view.
TooSmooth says
I knew about the Keith Richards chords from other lessons, but this really put it together. Now I know where they are in relation to other chords. Thanks man! It’s starting to come together!!
Raymond P says
Another great lesson that makes the fret board easier to navigate.
Thanks Brian
Ray P
James F says
yep, “lightbulb” for me too… it’s one of those things that, in retrospect, seems so duh-obvious.. but it never, ever occurred to me. … starting on the A7 shape for I vs the E7 shape for I. Small lesson, big impact, thank you.
frankie05 says
So maybe we change the “micro lesson ” title to “lightbulb sessions”
wrightclick says
Good quickie Brian and a nice drill . Room for expansion on this using triads 234 and 123 strings every guitarist needs to know his hers partial chords so important ..
Leslie C says
Great lesson Brian opened up a lot for me
Is this an intro to the CAGED syatem
Ive been trying to understand it and now I have
a better idea about the CAGED system Thank you
the stretch for the Blues shuffel is difficult wow.
bstrum says
Good practice,
How about some bar chord practice exec ices?
Brian says
That’s exactly what the homework is for.
Guillermo V says
Amazing!! What a teacher…in 1 month here I’ve learn more than in my whole life! So grateful!
Paul G says
Sorry to be such a newb but what lesson can I go to to find out what you mean by saying the “1,4,5” chord progression?
What do the numbers mean?
Brian says
Hey Paul, check out this lesson – it’ll clarify what the 1, 4, 5 chord progression means – https://www.activemelody.com/lesson/create-chord-arrangements-using-major-scale-ep237/
Rich F says
Hi Brian!
Brilliant lesson!
Using the L-shape, I have found that I can play two-fingered power chord versions of the 1, 4, 5…. which sound great! Could you do a lesson on that?
Cheers,
Rich F.
Robin S says
Tech Problem: When I try to use Video Tab Breakdown I get message “Your browser doesn’t support playback” Not a problem with other Lessons so far as I can see, just this one.
I am Tech incompetent, can anyone help ?
Brian says
Robin, this is a browser issue of some kind. It could be a setting – or something with your cache. Try clearing your cache and restarting or try using a different browser
Robin S says
Thanks Brian.
Will get help !
neal a says
Wow, I just answered my own question. That’s a real handy lesson. Thanks, Brian
Dennis N says
thank you Brianrealy turns the lit on
Dennis N says
thank you Brian it realy trurns the lite on
~ shaman says
Yessir… kinda like a lightning bolt striking the corpus callosum and sending a charge into both halves of the brain, pulling it all together. Thanks for the enlightening micro-lesson!
Joseph A says
I don’t recognize the tablature notations, would you provide/direct me to explanation.
Pete H says
Fairly new to Active Melody this year after seeing the freebies on YouTube and I sure have picked up a few lightbulbs just recently . Enough for a chandelier even !!
It’s all maths with Triangles/Squares and L shapes., but the visualisation and patterns really helps me when on the fretboard. Thanks Brian, really worth the subscription.
Best wishes from the UK
David C says
Another way to do the I IV V is to do the C in the A shape and do the F and the G in the D shape using the top 3 strings.
Vijay P says
Total unlock for me! Love this micro lesson. Super helpful. I’ve struggled a lot with true music theory and these little patterns are slowly helping my concrete brain map the fretboard. Slowly. lol
Drew D says
you got that right bro…. loving these lessons for sure! Absolutely amazing. cheers.
Greg W says
Brian,
Love the lesson, but when I print out the tablature the type is pretty small. Tough for these old eyes to see on a music stand.
How can I get the lesson tabs in larger print?
Derrick S says
Oh my, Brian, after countless hours of watching video’s, this micro lesson has been a huge aha moment for me. It obviously took all the other videos, about chord progression, circle of fiths, caged, string notes, L shaped chords and tied them all in. This was huge for me.