| In this installment: The key of 
              Bb This is the fifth installment of  a series of articles designed to help those at the beginner/intermediate 
        level learn 
        tenor guitar chords, as they would apply to
        each given key. Here we are covering the key of B flat in this  article. So let’s 
        get started with the basic chords in the key of B flat. The Basic chords in the key of
        Bb                                                              
         
        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 B flat. Below are some additional chords that I refer to as 
        substitute chords. Some substitute chords for the key of
        Bb                                                     
        
        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 B flat major chord, you can substitute a B flat major 7th
        chord. The C minor chord can be replaced by the C 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 tenor guitar 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 A |