Here is a new version of my “Plectrum Banjo Chord Finder.” Most glitches have been ironed out (like the spacing of the fret-number fret), and I think most plectrum banjoists, especially beginners, will find it useful.
Usage: First click on the “circle-of-fifths” chord key button, then the suffix (“m”, “7”, “m6”, etc.), and finally the inversion (“I”, “III”, “VII”, etc.) which comes closest to the melody note where you need to play the chord. Of course, this will require some experience and some knowledge of what notes from the chord key’s scale are on the first string. Note that for different suffixes some inversions are not available (there is no “VII” inversion for a “6” chord for example or no “VII” chord for a simple “m” (minor) chord. The buttons for any unavailable inversions are disabled and ghosted out so that mistakes do not generate empty shape diagrams.
When the chord, suffix, and inversion have been strung together (the chord has been “built”) and displays in the box that says, “Chord: ” between the circle-of- fifths and the suffix/inversion buttons, click on the box and the chord shape will appear in the upper diagram box. If the sound file exists, you can play the sound of the chord by clicking on the shape diagram. Not all shapes have sound files yet—I’m creating them as needed for the lessons. I also added code to display the chord “spelling” (the note degrees, like “1”, “3”, “b7”, etc., of the scale) below each string. The spacing of spelling is now fixed—the degrees are now properly centered beneath each string.
If you get an “empty” five-fret diagram it means the chord doesn’t exist in the database of shapes. In order to avoid this situation, I’ve tried to make it virtually impossible to enter bogus or ridiculous chord names or combinations of suffixes.
Experts, if you notice any mistaken shapes, please let me know in a comment on this page. Also, because of the note spelling peculiarities of some of the inversions, some shapes might be almost impossible to play and/or sound really awful. For example, while I was entering and testing the shapes, I noticed all the Maj7 (I) formations have both of these problems. Nobody would ever really want to play one of them I don’t think. I suppose opinions might differ, but if I have determined that the fingering is too difficult or the chord sounds awful, it will be noted with ‘
‘ in the box below the chord diagram where fingering usually gets displayed.
Go to my banjo instruction page (beginners especially at the moment).
If you find these lessons helpful, especially if you are using them as a teacher for instruction, please consider making a PayPal donation—of any amount—to help keep them coming! |