Master Shell Chords

Are 7th Chords. A simplified version of more complex chords, we pick only 3 notes, R, 3 and 7

Chord Shapes

Shell chords come in all kinds of shapes, we are going to organize them according to the position of their root, That Root, the note that gives the note name to the chord can be placed on string 6 or 5, we will build a shape for each place so we will have 2 shapes for each chord species.

Dominant Shapes R 3 b7

Shape with root on string 6, fret 5, note A what results in a A7 Chord

Shape with root on string 5, fret 5, note D what results in a D Maj7 Chord

Major 7 Shapes R 3 7

Do you remember? You have learned 2 shapes, A7 on string 6 and D7 on string 5, How do you track chords using the D7 shape? Same system than with the string 6 but applying it on the string 5, D7 is on the fret 5, string 5 so If you want to play E7 you only need to rais it 1 tone, 2 frets, your E7 will be on fret 7.

This system lets you find 7th chords all over the neck by shifting the entire shape.