Sixth Chords

Shuffle Lesson: Two-Handed Groove

In this lesson, I'm going to show you how to play a shuffle, which is a two-handed groove that you can use as an accompaniment pattern. This is similar to how we used some other on-off chords and things as comping patterns.

The Shuffle Pattern

The shuffle sounds really good when you can play it with six chords in the right hand. We're going to be using:

• Bass in the left hand
• Walking bass
• Sixth chord

Understanding Sixth Chords

Let's start with a quick overview of sixth chords. We've already added the sixth to the bassline. You can do exactly the same thing with the right hand chord by playing a triad with the sixth added.

Inverting Chords

Now, the key point is to be able to invert shapes like this, not always playing them in root position.

• Putting the thumb on E and moving the C to the top gives you the first inversion shape.
• For other inversions:
  • Thumb on G: The E goes to the top.
  • Thumb on A: The G goes to the top.

Notice how that shape looks like a minor 7.

Practice Routine

Get into the habit of doing this little routine with any chords that you're learning in a new tune. You would want to practice this in F and C as well.

• Memorize those shapes.
• Think about the fingering while practicing.

Most of the fingering is 1, 2, 3, 5, although I use 1, 2, 3, 4 for the root position.

Playing the Chords

Using the first inversion shape on C, we're going to play the chords on the upbeat:

• Every upbeat: 1 and, 2 and, 3 and, 4 and

Then, jump to the first inversion on F. Remember:

• Thumb on the third: So that's A for the F chord.
• For the G, the thumb will be on B.