| In this installment: The key of 
              E This is the eighth 
        installment of a series of articles designed to help those at the 
        beginner/intermediate level learn mandola chords, as they would apply to
        each given key. Here we are covering the key of E in this  article. So let’s 
        get started with the basic chords in the key of E. The Basic chords in the key of
        E                                                              
         
        Chart 1 
         Now let me explain the chord charts in case you don’t understand
        them. They represent the mandola's neck. From right to left are the 
        strings and the 
        horizontal
        lines represent the frets. Got it? Good. Each finger is represented by a 
        number from 1-4, with 1 being the index finger, 2 being the middle 
        finger, 3 being the ring finger and 4 being the pinky. The "0" means 
        that the string isn’t fretted, just plucked. Whenever you see a line 
        connecting the dots, it means that all of the dots are pressed down by 
        the same finger. Which is called "barring" the chord. Simplified: one 
        finger lays across the strings. Above, I’ve shown the basic chords for 
        the key of E. Below are some additional chords that I refer to as 
        substitute chords. Some substitute chords for the key of
        E                                                     
        
        Chart 2 
              
In chart 2, I have listed what are called substitute chords. Let’s say
        you played the first chords listed in chart 1, in the order that they
        were listed. For the E major chord, you can substitute a E major 7th
        chord. The F sharp minor chord can be replaced by the F sharp minor 7th
        chord. The same is true for each of the remaining. Play them. Has a
        jazzy ring to it, doesn’t it? Some people refer to substitute chords
        as orchestral chords but it doesn’t matter. A rose by any other name
        still has a thorn. I’ve included additional substitute chords so that
        you can improve your chordal vocabulary. You’ll be the life of the
        party and the envy of all your peers. You will be on your way to
        achieving greatness. The sky is the limit. Let’s move on to some more
        substitute chords.
                                                                                                                                              
        
        Chart 3 
         
 So 
        now we’ll close by saying that we hope you will find this article useful 
        in the process of learning mandola chords. If there is something you think we should add, 
        just send a letter or E-mail and we’ll be happy to give your suggestions 
        some consideration. We covered 20 
        chords in this lesson and in each future installment we’ll cover 20 more. So keep on
        playing and we’ll see you next time.
 
 Bob Craypoe
 Next installment: The key of Ab |