WEEK 7
This week you will explore a 1926 classic that contains a few augmented chords, which sound much fancier that they are. To make a chord augmented, all you need to do is raise the 5th note of a major chord by half a semitone. You will soon be able to spot augmented chords by just listening.
BLUE SKIES
BLUE SKIES was written by Irving Berlin in 1926. In the video you can see local lads, the UKULELE UFF TRIO doing a version with their own added intro section. The song is in the key of A minor and contains a few chords you may not have done before, but they are wonderful chords that will expand your chord catalogue like a boss.
VIDEO TUTORIALS
INTRO SECTION
The intro is played with just down strums. Watch out for the D7 and Fm in the same bar. When playing the G augmented (G+) think of the Dm shape but a string down and a fret across and notice how the final bar changes strum pattern for that one chord.
VERSE 1 & SOLO PART 1 SECTIONS
The verse sections contain calypso strum for all except for bars with D7 & F and the final G+ in bar 8.
VERSE 2 & 3, SOLO PART 2 & OUTRO SECTIONS
Almost identical to the above section, but ending on a C chord.
CHORUS SECTIONS
This is a 2 chord pattern over 8 bars with a step down Cmaj7 right at the end to take you back to Am in the next section.
NB: The solo section is exactly the same as playing verse 1, 2 and the chorus again.
AUDIO TRACKS
The audio play along tracks are a great way to help with home practice.
BLUE SKIES - Level 2 Chords only w/click track
BLUES SKIES - Level 2 Chords & Vox only w/click track
BLUE SKIES - FULL TRACK
NOW OPEN