Guitar Lessons with Allen Hood

Some of these pages are under construction, others will continue to evolve...

Using the Guitar Capo

    Here are some capo suggestions for singers who prefer to play out of the Key of C position, but must use a Capo to sing out of another higher or lower key, closer to their
own vocal range. When playing alone, feel free to sing
with the capo where ever you find the best match to your own vocal range. When playing with other instrument accompaniment, be aware that Violin, Mandolin, Bass and Banjo players either cannot use a capo or may not wish to play in certain keys, Sharp or Flat keys in particular. See
my suggestions for playing out of the C position with a
capo, below. 

 * Best for playing with Fiddle, Mando, Banjo, and Bass players.

Capo          Actual 
On                        Key
Fret#
1                            Db              Avoid
2                           D                 Best for above *
3                           Eb              Avoid
4                           E                 ok
5                           F                 ok
6                           F#              Avoid
7                           G                Best for above *
8                           Ab             Avoid
9                           A                Best for above *
                                                  (but too high on finger board)
0                           C                Best for above *
(No Capo)                            

Chords & Keys

Chords:  A chord is made up of the 1-3-5 notes of the scale, or in the scale of G, the G (Root or 1st)-B(3rd)-D(5th).
Keys: In most modern Folk, Old Time, Bluegrass music, Keys are made up of varying arrangements of 3 Major Chords and sometimes a relative Minor chord. These are commonly the 1-4-5 Chords and the relative 6th minor:
                          1               4                  5             Relative 6th Minor                  
Key of A        A              D                  E                            F#M
Key of B         B              E                  F                            Gm
Key of C         C              F                  G                            Am
Key of D         D             G                  A                            Bm
Key of E         E              A                 B                             C#m
Key of F         F              Bb               C                             Dm
Key of G         G             C                  D                             Em

Music Lessons

Music Notation

Learn general Music Theory, Scales, Chords and Keys.

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String Band Insruction

Learn how to accompany other singers and players in the String Band context. Learn band dynamics for good presentation.