1

winston style
a guide to chord harmony, writing
solos, and unlocking your creativity.

all rights reserved © 2013 by happybanjodude

all material created/arranged by happybanjodude
no part of this publication may be reproduced
without prior permission of the publisher
A Note From HBD:
Thank you for purchasing “Winston Style”!

A few things to note before you begin:

1. Learn Basic Music Theory. To understand the material you must be able to a) be able to
find any note on the banjo, and b) be able to play a major scale. If you cannot do either,
then watch my “Music Theory For Banjo” series at youtube.com/happybanjodude.

2. Take Your Time. Each set of chord shapes should take at least 1-2 weeks to properly
memorize before you move onto the next section! If you skip ahead too quickly, you will
get lost and frustrated. Think of these chords as words in a foreign language: you might be
able to play them off the page, but memorizing and using them fluently takes time.

3. The Video Is A Reference. If you’ve ever seen an instructional video where they explain
every single detail of every exercise, you’ll know how excruciatingly boring it is to watch.
Just like in my YouTube videos, I give you the tab and merely demonstrate in the video.
Watch the video, check the tab, practice, repeat.

I wrote this book because there is no banjo method that can easily explain how to
play all the possible chord shapes on the banjo. Once you finish this book, you will have
the invaluable skill of being able to play any chord, anywhere, in any key. Have fun!

- happybanjodude

And If you ever get lost, click

here to schedule a Skype lesson!

3
 Pre-Requisites

This pencil indicates something you should practice before moving on to

the next section.
Winston Style
D G B D
Click on the links to watch
the accompanying videos! C
Video: Music Theory For Banjo 1
Music Theory For Banjo 2 E A E

F D F

G C E G

F
Complete Fretboard
A D A

B E B

C F A C

D G B D

5
Winston Style

Chord Harmony
The Basics
Video: Music Theory For Banjo 3

• Since the banjo is tuned to a G chord, we will start by learning all the
chords in the key of G major.

The scale of G major is:

0 2 4 5 7 9 11 12

G A B C D E F# G

The chords of G major are:

I ii iii IV V vi vii
Major minor minor Major Major minor diminished

G A B C D E F#

• These chords use only notes in the G major scale.

D E #
F G A B #
• If we played any other chord quality (e.g. B major instead of B minor), weC
would get a note that is not in the key of G major.

A B C# D E F# G#

E F #MemorizeGthe# notes and

Achords of the
B G major scale.
C# D#
6

B C# D# E F# G# A#
 Root Position Triads

Remember: Throughout this book, the note circled in red is the root note.
 Winston Style

Chord Harmony
Root Position Triads
• The term “root position” means the lowest note is the root note (the 1).

• The order of the chord tones will be 1, 3, 5.

• If you put the red note on G and play the major shape, that equals G major.
If you put the red note on A and play the minor shape, that equals A minor.

Major Minor Diminished

1 3 5 1 b3 5 1 b3 b5

Root Position Triads In G Major

G Am Bm C D Em F#dim G
0 2 4 5 7 9 10 12
0 1 3 5 7 8 10 12
0 2 4 5 7 9 11 12

(1 octave higher)
12 14 16 17 19 21
12 13 15 17 19 20
12 14 16 17 19 21

8
Winston Style

Root Position Triads In G Major

Played With Roll Pattern

G Am Bm C
0 0 0 2 2 2 4 4 4 5 5 5
0 0 1 1 3 3 5 5
0 0 2 2 4 4 5 5
0 0 0 0

D Em F#dim G
7 7 7 9 9 9 10 10 10 12 12 12
7 7 8 8 10 10 12 12
7 7 9 9 11 11 12 12
0 0 0 0

F#dim Em D C
10 10 10 9 9 9 7 7 7 5 5 5
10 10 8 8 7 7 5 5
11 11 9 9 7 7 5 5
0 0 0 0

Bm Am G
4 4 4 2 2 2 0 0 0
3 3 1 1 0 0
4 4 2 2 0 0
0 0 0

Play these chords one octave higher wherever possible.

9
Winston Style

• Take as much time as you need to learn each group of chord shapes.

• The secret to mastering the material in this book is simple: play around.

• True learning comes from your own moments of self-discovery.

Root Position Triads In G Major

Playing Around...

G Bm
0 0 0 0 0 0 4 4 4 4 4 4
0 0 0 0 3 3 3 3
0 0 0 0 4 4 4 4
0 0 0 0

Em C
9 9 9 9 9 9 5 5 5 5 5 5
8 8 8 8 5 5 5 5
9 9 9 9 5 5 5 5
0 0 0 0

G Bm
12 12 12 12 12 12 16 16 16 16 16 16
12 12 12 12 15 15 15 15
12 12 12 12 16 16 16 16
0 0 0 0

Em C
9 9 9 9 9 9 5 5 5 5 5 5
8 8 8 8 5 5 5 5
9 9 9 9 5 5 5 5
0 0 0 0

Spend one week playing around with these shapes! Use different
roll patterns, strum patterns, etc. Write 3 song ideas,
10
Winston Style

• Once you’ve mastered the previous shapes, it’s easy to visualize triads
on the center 3 strings. Just move the note on the high D to the low D.

Major Minor Diminished

5 1 3 5 1 b3 b5 1 b3

Triads In G Major. Note moved from high D to low D.

G Am Bm C D Em F#dim G

0 1 3 5 7 8 10 12
0 2 4 5 7 9 11 12
0 2 4 5 7 9 10 12

With alternating thumb roll...

G Am Bm C
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 1 1 3 3 5 5
0 2 4 5
0 2 4 5
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

D Em F#dim G
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 7 8 8 10 10 12 12
7 9 11 12
7 9 10 12
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

11
Winston Style

• Now combine both notes on the D strings to create 4 note chords.

Major Minor Diminished

5 1 3 5 5 1 b3 5 b5 1 b3 b5

Chords In G Major. Both D strings played to create 4 note chords.

G Am Bm C D Em F#dim G
0 2 4 5 7 9 10 12
0 1 3 5 7 8 10 12
0 2 4 5 7 9 11 12
0 2 4 5 7 9 10 12

With Alternating Thumb Roll...

G Am Bm C
0 0 2 2 4 4 5 5
0 0 1 1 3 3 5 5
0 2 4 5
0 2 4 5
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

D Em F#dim G
7 7 9 9 10 10 12 12
7 7 8 8 10 10 12 12
7 9 11 12
7 9 10 12
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

12
Winston Style

Review

- The root note for all the previous shapes is on the G string.

- If you forget a shape, refer to the book until you have them all memorized.

- Spend at least one week playing around and writing progressions.

- Play the chords with different roll patterns/rhythms/etc.

Quiz

Play the following progressions with root position triads:

(Hint: find the note first, then play the proper chord shape)

1. G - Em - C - Am

2. G - F#dim - Em - C

3. Em - Am - C - D

4. Em - G - Bm - Am

If you cannot comfortably play this material, do not move ahead to the next section!

13
 1st Inversion Triads

Remember: Inversions are the same notes, just played in a different order.
 Winston Style

Chord Harmony
1st Inversion Triads
• The term “1st Inversion” means we move the 1 to the bottom of the chord.
We are playing the same three notes as before, just in a different order.

• The order of the chord tones will be 3, 5, 1.

• If you put the red note on G and play the major shape, that equals G major.
If you put the red note on A and play the minor shape, that equals A minor.

Major Minor Diminished

3 5 1 b3 5 1 b3 b5 1

1st Inversion Triads In G Major

G Am Bm C D Em F#dim G
5 7 9 10 12 14 16 17
3 5 7 8 10 12 13 15
4 5 7 9 11 12 14 16

1 octave higher 1 octave lower

17 19 21 22 2 4 5
15 17 19 20 0 1 3
16 17 19 21 0 2 4

15
Winston Style

1st Inversion Triads In G Major

Played With Roll Pattern

G Am Bm C
5 5 5 7 7 7 9 9 9 10 10 10
3 3 5 5 7 7 8 8
4 4 5 5 7 7 9 9
0 0 0 0

D Em F#dim G
12 12 12 14 14 14 16 16 16 17 17 17
10 10 12 12 13 13 15 15
11 11 12 12 14 14 16 16
0 0 0 0

F#dim Em D C
16 16 16 14 14 14 12 12 12 10 10 10
13 13 12 12 10 10 8 8
14 14 12 12 11 11 9 9
0 0 0 0

Bm Am G
9 9 9 7 7 7 5 5 5
7 7 5 5 3 3
7 7 5 5 4 4
0 0 0

Play these chords one octave higher/lower wherever possible.

16
Winston Style

• Be sure you can differentiate these shapes from the root position triads.

• Play around. Make mistakes. Have no expectations.

1st Inversion Triads In G Major

Playing Around...

G C
5 5 5 5 5 5 10 10 10 10 10 10
3 3 3 3 8 8 8 8
4 4 4 4 9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

Bm Em D
9 9 9 14 14 14 12 12 12 12 12 12
7 7 12 12 10 10 10 10
7 7 12 12 11 11 11 11
0 0 0 0

G C
17 17 17 17 17 17 10 10 10 10 10 10
15 15 15 15 8 8 8 8
16 16 16 16 9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

Em Bm D
14 14 14 9 9 9 12 12 12 12 12 12
12 12 7 7 10 10 10 10
12 12 7 7 11 11 11 11
0 0 0 0

Spend one week playing around with these shapes! Use different
roll patterns, strum patterns, etc. Write 3 song ideas.
17
Winston Style

• Once you’ve mastered the previous shapes, it’s easy to visualize triads
on the center 3 strings. Just move the note on the high D to the low D.

Major Minor Diminished

1 3 5 1 b3 5 1 b3 b5

Triads in G Major. Note moved from high D to low D.

G Am Bm C D Em F#dim G

3 5 7 8 10 12 13 15
4 5 7 9 11 12 14 16
5 7 9 10 12 14 16 17

With Alternating Thumb Roll...

G Am Bm C
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 3 5 5 7 7 8 8
4 5 7 9
5 7 9 10
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

D Em F#dim G
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 10 12 12 13 13 15 15
11 12 14 16
12 14 16 17
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

18
Winston Style

• Now combine both notes on the D strings to create 4 note chords.

Major Minor Diminished

1 3 5 1 1 b3 5 1 1 b3 b5 1

Chords In G Major. Both D strings played to create 4 note chords.

G Am Bm C D Em F#dim G
5 7 9 10 12 14 16 17
3 5 7 8 10 12 13 15
4 5 7 9 11 12 14 16
5 7 9 10 12 14 16 17

With Alternating Thumb Roll...

G Am Bm C
5 5 7 7 9 9 10 10
3 3 5 5 7 7 8 8
4 5 7 9
5 7 9 10
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

D Em F#dim G
12 12 14 14 16 16 17 17
10 10 12 12 13 13 15 15
11 12 14 16
12 14 16 17
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

19
Winston Style

Review

- The root note for all the previous chord shapes is on the D string.

- If you forget a shape, refer to the book until you have them all memorized.

- Spend at least one week playing around and writing progressions.

- Play the chords with different roll patterns/rhythms/etc.

Quiz

Play the following progressions with 1st Inversion triads:

(Hint: find the note first, then play the proper chord shape)

1. G - C - D - Am

2. G - F#dim - Em - D

3. Em - Am - Bm - C

4. Em - C - G - D

If you cannot comfortably play this material, do not move ahead to the next section!

20
 2nd Inversion Triads

Remember: Be patient. It might take months to memorize all these chord shapes!
 Winston Style

Chord Harmony
2nd Inversion Triads
• The term “2nd Inversion” means we move the 1 to the center of the chord.
We are playing the same three notes as before, just in a different order.
• The order of the chord tones will be 5, 1, 3.
• If you put the red note on G and play the major shape, that equals G major.
If you put the red note on A and play the minor shape, that equals A minor.

Major Minor Diminished

5 1 3 5 1 b3 b5 1 b3

2nd Inversion Triads In G Major

G Am Bm C D Em F#dim G
9 10 12 14 16 17 19 21
8 10 12 13 15 17 19 20
7 9 11 12 14 16 17 19

1 octave higher 1 octave lower

21 22 2 4 5 7 9
20 22 1 3 5 7 8
19 21 0 2 4 5 7

22
Winston Style

2nd Inversion Chords In G Major

Played With Roll Pattern

G Am Bm C
9 9 9 10 10 10 12 12 12 14 14 14
8 8 10 10 12 12 13 13
7 7 9 9 11 11 12 12
0 0 0 0

D Em F#dim G
16 16 16 17 17 17 19 19 19 21 21 21
15 15 17 17 19 19 20 20
14 14 16 16 17 17 19 19
0 0 0 0

F#dim Em D C
19 19 19 17 17 17 16 16 16 14 14 14
19 19 17 17 15 15 13 13
17 17 16 16 14 14 12 12
0 0 0 0

Bm Am G
12 12 12 10 10 10 9 9 9
12 12 10 10 8 8
11 11 9 9 7 7
0 0 0

Play these chords one octave higher/lower wherever possible.

23
Winston Style

2nd Inversion Chords In G Major

Playing Around...

G F#dim
9 9 9 9 9 9 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 7 7 7 7
7 7 7 7 5 5 5 5
0 0 0 0

Em Bm C D
5 5 5 12 12 12 14 14 14 16 16 16
5 5 12 12 13 13 15 15
4 4 11 11 12 12 14 14
0 0 0 0

G F#dim
21 21 21 21 21 21 19 19 19 19 19 19
20 20 20 20 19 19 19 19
19 19 19 19 17 17 17 17
0 0 0 0

Em Bm C D
17 17 17 12 12 12 14 14 14 16 16 16
17 17 12 12 13 13 15 15
16 16 11 11 12 12 14 14
0 0 0 0

Spend one week playing around with these shapes! Use different
roll patterns, strum patterns, etc. Write 3 song ideas.

24
Winston Style

• Once you’ve mastered the previous shapes, it’s easy to visualize triads on
the center 3 strings. Just move the note from the high D to the low D.

Major Minor Diminished

3 5 1 b3 5 1 b3 b5 1

Triads In G Major. Note moved from high D to low D.

G Am Bm C D Em F#dim G

8 10 12 13 15 17 19 20
7 9 11 12 14 16 17 19
9 10 12 14 16 17 19 21

With Alternating Thumb Roll...

G Am Bm C
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 8 10 10 12 12 13 13
7 9 11 12
9 10 12 14
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

D Em F#dim G
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
15 15 17 17 19 19 20 20
14 16 17 19
16 17 19 21
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

25
Winston Style

• Now combine both notes on the D strings to create 4 note chords.

Major Minor Diminished

3 5 1 3 b3 5 1 b3 b3 b5 1 b3

Both D strings played to create 4 note chords

G Am Bm C D Em F#dim G
9 10 12 14 16 17 19 21
8 10 12 13 15 17 19 20
7 9 11 12 14 16 17 19
9 10 12 14 16 17 19 21

With Alternating Thumb Roll...

G Am Bm C
9 9 10 10 12 12 14 14
8 8 10 10 12 12 13 13
7 9 11 12
9 10 12 14
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

D Em F#dim G
16 16 17 0 19 19 21 0
15 15 17 17 19 19 20 20
14 16 17 19
16 17 19 21
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

26
Winston Style

Review

- The root note for all the previous shapes is on the B string.

- If you forget a shape, refer to the book until you have them all memorized.

- Spend at least one week playing around and writing progressions.

- Play the chords with different roll patterns/rhythms/etc.

Quiz

Play the following progressions with 2nd Inversion triads:

(Hint: find the note first, then play the proper chord shape)

1. G - D - Em - C

2. G - F#dim - C - Am

3. Em - Bm - G - Am

4. Em - G - C - D

If you cannot comfortably play this material, do not move ahead to the next section!

27
 Putting It All Together

Remember: It may take months to memorize all the chord shapes across the neck.
Winston Style

Chord Harmony
Close Proximity

• We will start from each triad of G major, and then play all the chords in the
key while staying as close as possible to the starting chord!

G Am Bm C D Em F#dim G
0 2 4 2 4 2 4 0
0 1 3 1 3 0 1 0
0 2 4 0 2 0 2 0

G Am Bm C D Em F#dim G
5 7 4 5 4 5 4 5
3 5 3 5 3 5 1 3
4 5 4 5 2 4 2 4

G Am Bm C D Em F#dim G
9 10 9 10 7 9 7 9
8 10 7 8 7 8 7 8
7 9 7 9 7 9 5 7

G Am Bm C D Em F#dim G
12 14 12 14 12 14 10 12
12 13 12 13 10 12 10 12
12 14 11 12 11 12 11 12

29
Winston Style

• To test our chord vision, let’s play only the major chords in G up the neck.

G C D G C D G C
0 2 4 5 5 7 9 10
0 1 3 3 5 7 8 8
0 0 2 4 5 7 7 9

D G C D G C D G
12 12 14 16 17 17 19 21
10 12 13 15 15 17 19 20
11 12 12 14 16 17 19 19

All Major Chords In G Major

Played With Roll Pattern

G C D G
0 0 0 2 2 2 4 4 4 5 5 5
0 0 1 1 3 3 3 3
0 0 0 0 2 2 4 4
0 0 0 0

C D G C
5 5 5 7 7 7 9 9 9 10 10 10
5 5 7 7 8 8 8 8
5 5 7 7 7 7 9 9
0 0 0 0

D G C D
12 12 12 12 12 12 14 14 14 16 16 16
10 10 12 12 13 13 15 15
11 11 12 12 12 12 14 14
0 0 0 0

G C D G
17 17 17 17 17 17 19 19 19 21 21 21
15 15 17 17 19 19 20 20
16 16 17 17 19 19 19 19
9 0 0 0

30
Winston Style

• To test our chord vision, let’s play only the minor chords in G up the neck.
Em Am Bm Em Am Bm Em Am
2 2 4 5 7 9 9 10
0 1 3 5 5 7 8 10
0 2 4 4 5 7 9 9

Bm Em Am Bm Em Am Bm Em
12 14 14 16 17 19 21 21
12 12 13 15 17 17 19 20
11 12 14 16 16 17 19 21

All Minor Chords In G Major

Played With Roll Pattern

Em Am Bm Em
2 2 2 2 2 2 4 4 4 5 5 5
0 0 1 1 3 3 5 5
0 0 2 2 4 4 4 4
0 0 0 0

Am Bm Em Am
7 7 7 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10
5 5 7 7 8 8 10 10
5 5 7 7 9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

Bm Em Am Bm
12 12 12 14 14 14 14 14 14 16 16 16
12 12 12 12 13 13 15 15
11 11 12 12 14 14 16 16
0 0 0 0

Em Am Bm Em
17 17 17 19 19 19 21 21 21 21 21 21
17 17 17 17 19 19 20 20
16 16 17 17 19 19 21 21
9 0 0 0

31
Winston Style

All possible chords in G Major up to the 12th fret!

G Em C Am
0 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2
0 0 0 0

F#dim D Bm G
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5
1 1 3 3 3 3 3 3
2 2 2 2 4 4 4 4
0 0 0 0

Em C Am F#dim
5 5 5 5 5 5 7 7 7 7 7 7
5 5 5 5 5 5 7 7
4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5
5 5 5 5

C Bm G Em
7 7 7 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8
7 7 7 7 7 7 9 9
9 0 0 0

C Am F#dim D
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 12 12 12
8 8 10 10 10 10 10 10
9 9 9 9 11 11 11 11
0 0 0 0

Bm G
12 12 12 12 12 12
12 12 12 12
11 11 12 12 12
0 0

Play these chords one octave higher wherever possible.

32
“Ashdown Forest” - Example Solo in G Major
G C
9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
7 7 7 7 9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

Em Bm D
9 9 9 12 12 12 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 12 12 7 7 7 7
9 9 11 11 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0

G C
9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
7 7 7 7 9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

Em Bm D
9 9 9 12 12 12 16 16 16 16 16 16
8 8 12 12 15 15 15 15
9 9 11 11 14 14 14 14
0 0 0 0

G D
21 21 21 21 21 21 17 17 17 17 17 17
20 20 20 20 17 17 17 17
19 19 19 19 17 17 17 17
0 0 0 0

Em Bm D
17 17 17 12 12 12 16 16 16 17 16 16
17 17 12 12 15 15 15 15
16 16 11 11 14 14 14 14
0 0 0 0

G C
21 21 21 21 21 21 17 17 17 17 17 17
20 20 20 20 17 17 17 17
19 19 19 19 17 17 17 17
0 0 0 0

Em Bm D
17 17 17 12 12 12 7 7 7 7 7 7
17 17 12 12 7 7 7 7
16 16 11 11 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0
Winston Style

Super Easy Music Theory Trick!

Chord Harmony
Relative Minor Keys

• Want to sound a little sadder and darker? Use the relative minor key.

• All you have to do is treat the sixth chord as the starting point. THAT’S IT.

• E Minor is the relative minor of G Major.

Relative Minor

I ii iii IV V vi vii
Major minor minor Major Major minor diminished

G A B C D E F#

D E F# G A B C#
Play the chords of G Major, but start and end on E Minor.
A B C# D E F# G#

E F# G# A
34
B C# D#
“Storm Clouds” - Example Solo in E Minor (Relative Minor of G Major)
Em D
5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 2 2 2 2
0 0 0 0

C G D
2 2 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 4 4 4
1 1 1 1 0 0 3 3
0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2
0 0 0 0

Em D
5 5 5 5 5 5 7 7 7 7 7 7
5 5 5 5 7 7 7 7
4 4 4 4 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0

C G D
10 10 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 7 7
9 9 9 9 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0

Em D
9 9 9 9 9 9 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 7 7 7 7
9 9 9 9 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0

C G D
10 10 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 7 7
9 9 9 9 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0

Em D
9 9 9 9 9 9 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 7 7 7 7
9 9 9 9 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0

C G D
10 10 10 10 10 10 12 12 12 16 16 16
8 8 8 8 12 12 15 15
9 9 9 9 12 12 14 14
0 0 0 0
 The Key Of C Major

Remember: Use this book as a reference when writing your own music.
Winston Style

Chord Harmony
C Major
• We create a C Major scale in the same way we created a G Major Scale...
by playing the pattern WWHWWWH starting on the note C!

The scale of C major is:

5 7 9 10 12 14 16 17

C D E F G A B C

• Once we know the notes, we just play the same pattern of chords to get
all the possible chords in the key of C Major.

The chords of C Major are:

I ii iii IV V vi vii
Major minor minor Major Major minor diminished

C D E F G A B

G A B C D E F#
• These chords use only notes in the C major scale.

D E F
• If we played any other chord G A
would get a note that is not in the key of C major.
B
# quality (e.g. D major instead of D minor), #
we C

A B C# D E F# G#
Memorize the notes and chords of the C major scale.

E F# G# A
37
B C# D#
Winston Style

Root Position Chords In C Major (Root Note on G String)

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim C
5 7 9 10 12 14 15 17
5 6 8 10 12 13 15 17
5 7 9 10 12 14 16 17

1 octave lower
0 2 3 5
0 1 3 5
0 2 4 5

Note moved from high D to low D

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim C

5 6 8 10 12 13 15 17
5 7 9 10 12 14 16 17
5 7 9 10 12 14 15 17

1 octave lower
0 1 3 5
0 2 4 5
0 2 3 5

Both D strings played to create 4 note chords

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim C
5 7 9 10 12 14 15 17
5 6 8 10 12 13 15 17
5 7 9 10 12 14 16 17
5 7 9 10 12 14 15 17

1 octave lower
0 2 3 5
0 1 3 5
0 2 4 5
0 2 3 5

38
Winston Style

1st Inversion Triads in C Major (root note on D string)

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim C
10 12 14 15 17 19 21 22
8 10 12 13 15 17 18 20
9 10 12 14 16 17 19 21

1 octave lower
2 3 5 7 9 10
0 1 3 5 6 8
0 2 4 5 7 9

Note moved from high D to low D string

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim C

8 10 12 13 15 17 18 20
9 10 12 14 16 17 19 21
10 12 14 15 17 19 21 22

1 octave lower

0 1 3 5 6 8
0 2 4 5 7 9
2 3 5 7 9 10

Both D strings played to create 4 note chords

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim C
10 12 14 15 17 19 21 22
8 10 12 13 15 17 18 20
9 10 12 14 16 17 19 21
10 12 14 15 17 19 21 22

1 octave lower
2 3 5 7 9 10
0 1 3 5 6 8
0 2 4 5 7 9
2 3 5 7 9 10

39
Winston Style

2nd Inversion Triads In C Major

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim C
2 3 5 7 9 10 12 14
1 3 5 6 8 10 12 13
0 2 4 5 7 9 10 12

1 octave higher
14 15 17 19 21 22
13 15 17 18 20 22
12 14 16 17 19 21

Note moved from high D to low D

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim C

1 3 5 6 8 10 12 13
0 2 4 5 7 9 10 12
2 3 5 7 9 10 12 14

1 octave higher
13 15 17 18 20 22
12 14 16 17 19 21
14 15 17 19 21 22

Both D strings played to create 4 note chords

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim C
2 3 5 7 9 10 12 14
1 3 5 6 8 10 12 13
0 2 4 5 7 9 10 12
2 3 5 7 9 10 12 14

1 octave higher
14 15 17 19 21 22
13 15 17 18 20 22
12 14 16 17 19 21
14 15 17 19 21 22

40
Winston Style

Chord Harmony
Close Proximity Chords In C Major
We will start from each triad of C major, and then play all the chords in the key.
The goal here is play the triad that is as close as possible to the starting chord!

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim C
5 7 5 7 5 7 3 5
5 6 5 6 3 5 3 5
5 7 4 5 4 5 4 5

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim C
10 12 9 10 9 10 9 10
8 10 8 10 8 10 6 8
9 10 9 10 7 9 7 9

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim C
2 3 2 3 0 2 3 2
1 3 0 1 0 1 3 1
0 2 0 2 0 2 4 0

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim C
14 15 14 15 12 14 12 14
13 15 12 13 12 13 12 13
12 14 12 14 12 14 10 12

41
Winston Style
All Major Chords In C Major

C F G C F G C F
2 3 0 5 7 5 10 10
1 1 0 5 6 3 8 10
0 2 0 5 5 4 9 10

G C F G C F G C
9 14 15 12 17 19 17 22
8 13 13 12 17 18 15 20
7 12 14 12 17 17 16 21

All Minor Chords In C Major

Am Dm Em Am Dm Em Am Dm
2 3 2 7 7 5 10 12
1 3 0 5 6 5 10 10
2 2 0 5 7 4 9 10

Em Am Dm Em Am Dm Em Am
9 14 15 14 19 19 17 22
8 13 15 12 17 18 17 22
9 14 14 12 17 19 16 21

All Possible Chords In C Major Up To 12th Fret

C Am F Dm Bdim G Em C Am F Dm Bdim
2 2 3 3 3 5 5 5 7 7 7 9
1 1 1 3 3 3 5 5 5 6 6 6
0 2 2 2 4 4 4 5 5 5 7 7

G Em C Am F Dm Bdim G Em C
9 9 10 10 10 12 12 12 14 14
8 8 8 10 10 10 12 12 12 13
7 9 9 9 10 10 10 12 12 12

42
“Melancholy Memory” - Example Solo in C Major
C Em
2 2 2 2 5 5 5 5
1 1 1 1 5 5 5 5
0 0 0 0 4 4 4 4
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

F C G
3 3 3 3 2 2 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0
2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

C Em
2 2 2 2 5 5 5 5
1 1 1 1 5 5 5 5
0 0 0 0 4 4 4 4
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

F C G
7 7 7 7 10 10 9 9
6 6 6 6 8 8 8 8
5 5 5 5 9 9 7 7
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

C Em
14 14 14 14 17 17 17 17
13 13 13 13 17 17 17 17
12 12 12 12 16 16 16 16
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

F C G
15 15 15 15 14 14 12 12
13 13 13 13 13 13 12 12
14 14 14 14 12 12 12 12
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

C Em
14 14 14 14 17 17 17 17
13 13 13 13 17 17 17 17
12 12 12 12 16 16 16 16
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

F C G
19 19 19 19 22 22 21 21
18 18 18 18 20 20 20 20
17 17 19 19 21 21 19 19
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
“Showdown” - Example Solo in A Minor (Relative Minor of C Major)
Am Dm
2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3
1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
0 0 0 0

G C
0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 2
0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0

Am Dm
2 2 2 2 2 2 7 7 7 7 7 7
1 1 1 1 6 6 6 6
2 2 2 2 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0

G C
9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
7 7 7 7 9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

Am Dm
14 14 14 14 14 14 15 15 15 15 15 15
13 13 13 13 15 15 15 15
14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14
0 0 0 0

G C
12 12 12 12 12 12 14 14 14 14 14 14
12 12 12 12 13 13 13 13
12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
0 0 0 0

Am Dm
14 14 14 14 14 14 19 19 19 19 19 19
13 13 13 13 18 18 18 18
14 14 14 14 19 19 19 19
0 0 0 0

G C
21 21 21 21 21 21 22 22 22 22 22 22
20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20
19 19 19 19 21 21 21 21
0 0 0 0
 Chords In D Major

Remember: When playing in D Major, always tune the top string up to A.

Winston Style

Chord Harmony
D Major
• We create a D Major scale in the same way we created a G Major Scale...
by playing the pattern WWHWWWH starting on the note D!

The scale of C major is:

7 9 11 12 14 16 18 19

D E F# G A B C# D

• Once we know the notes, we just play the same pattern of chords to get
all the possible chords in the key of D Major.

The chords of D Major are:

I ii iii IV V vi vii
Major minor minor Major Major minor diminished

D E F# G A B C#

G A B C D E F#
• These chords use only notes in the D major scale.

• If we played any other chord quality (e.g. E major instead of E minor), we

would get a note that is not in the key of D major.

A B C# D E F# G#
Memorize the notes and chords of the D major scale.

E F# G# A
46
B C# D#
Winston Style

Root Position Triads In D Major

D Em F#m G A Bm C#dim D
7 9 11 12 14 16 17 19
7 8 10 12 14 15 17 19
7 9 11 12 14 16 18 19

1 octave higher 1 octave lower

19 21 2 4 5 7
19 20 2 3 5 7
19 21 2 4 6 7

Note moved from high D to low D

D Em F#m G A Bm C#dim D

7 8 10 12 14 15 17 19
7 9 11 12 14 16 18 19
7 9 11 12 14 16 17 19

1 octave higher 1 octave lower

19 20 2 3 5 7
19 21 2 4 6 7
19 21 2 4 5 7

Both D strings played to create 4 note chords

D Em F#m G A Bm C#dim D
7 9 11 12 14 16 17 19
7 8 10 12 14 15 17 19
7 9 11 12 14 16 18 19
7 9 11 12 14 16 17 19

1 octave higher 1 octave lower

19 21 2 4 5 7
19 20 2 3 5 7
19 21 2 4 6 7
19 21 2 4 5 7

47
Winston Style
1st Inversion Triads in D Major

D Em F#m G A Bm C#dim D
12 14 16 17 19 21 11 12
10 12 14 15 17 19 8 10
11 12 14 16 18 19 9 11

1 octave lower
2 4 5 7 9
0 2 3 5 7
0 2 4 6 7

Note moved from high D to low D

D Em F#m G A Bm C#dim D

10 12 14 15 17 19 8 10
11 12 14 16 18 19 9 11
12 14 16 17 19 21 11 12

1 octave lower

0 2 3 5 7
0 2 4 6 7
2 4 5 7 9

Both D strings played to create 4 note chords

D Em F#m G A Bm C#dim D
12 14 16 17 19 21 11 12
10 12 14 15 17 19 8 10
11 12 14 16 18 19 9 11
12 14 16 17 19 21 11 12

1 octave lower
2 4 5 7 9
0 2 3 5 7
0 2 4 6 7
2 4 5 7 9

48
Winston Style

2nd Inversion Triads In D Major

D Em F#m G A Bm C#dim D
4 5 7 9 11 12 14 16
3 5 7 8 10 12 14 15
2 4 6 7 9 11 12 14

1 octave higher 1 octave lower

16 17 19 21 2 4
15 17 19 20 2 3
14 16 18 19 0 2

Note moved from high D to low D

D Em F#m G A Bm C#dim D

3 5 7 8 10 12 14 15
2 4 6 7 9 11 12 14
4 5 7 9 11 12 14 16

1 octave higher 1 octave lower

15 17 19 20 2 3
14 16 18 19 0 2
16 17 19 21 2 4

Both D strings played to create 4 note chords

D Em F#m G A Bm C#dim D
4 5 7 9 11 12 14 16
3 5 7 8 10 12 14 15
2 4 6 7 9 11 12 14
4 5 7 9 11 12 14 16

1 octave higher 1 octave lower

16 17 19 21 2 4
15 17 19 20 2 3
14 16 18 19 0 2
16 17 19 21 2 4

49
Winston Style

Chord Harmony
Close Proximity Chords In D Major
We will start from each triad of D major, and then play all the chords in the key.
The goal here is play the triad that is as close as possible to the starting chord!

D Em F#m G A Bm C#dim D
7 9 7 9 7 9 5 7
7 8 7 8 5 7 5 7
7 9 6 7 6 7 6 7

D Em F#m G A Bm C#dim D
4 5 4 5 2 4 2 4
3 5 2 3 2 3 2 3
2 4 2 4 2 4 0 2

D Em F#m G A Bm C#dim D
12 14 11 12 11 12 11 12
10 12 10 12 10 12 8 10
11 12 11 12 9 11 9 11

D Em F#m G A Bm C#dim D
16 17 16 17 14 16 14 16
15 17 14 15 14 15 14 15
14 16 14 16 14 16 12 14

50
Winston Style
All Major Chords In D Major

D G A D G A D G
4 5 2 7 9 7 12 12
3 3 2 7 8 5 10 12
2 4 2 7 7 6 11 12

A D G A D G A
11 16 17 14 19 21 19
10 15 15 14 19 20 17
9 14 16 14 19 19 18

All Minor Chords In D Major

Bm Em F#m Bm Em F#m Bm Em
4 5 4 9 9 7 12 14
3 5 2 7 8 7 12 12
4 4 2 7 9 6 11 12

F#m Bm Em F#m Bm Em F#m

11 16 17 16 21 21 19
10 15 17 14 19 20 19
11 16 16 14 19 21 18

All Possible Chords In D Major Up To 14th Fret

D Bm G Em C#dim A F#m D Bm G Em C#dim

4 4 5 5 5 7 7 7 9 9 9 11
3 3 3 5 5 5 7 7 7 8 8 8
2 4 4 4 6 6 6 7 7 7 9 9

A F#m D Bm G Em C#dim A F#m D

11 11 12 12 12 14 14 14 16 16
10 10 10 12 12 12 14 14 14 15
9 11 11 11 12 12 12 14 14 14

51
“Hope” - Example Solo in D Major
D A G
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 0 0
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 0 0
0 0 0 0 0

Em Bm A
0 0 0 5 5 5 4 4 4 2 2 2 2 2 2
0 0 5 5 3 3 2 2 2 2
0 0 4 4 4 4 2 2 2 2
0 0 0 0 0

D A G
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 0 0
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 0 0
0 0 0 0 0

Em Bm A
0 0 0 5 5 5 4 4 4 11 11 11 11 11 11
0 0 5 5 3 3 10 10 10 10
0 0 4 4 4 4 9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0 0

D A G
12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 9 9 9
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 8
11 11 11 11 11 11 9 9 7 7
0 0 0 0 0

Em Bm A
9 9 9 14 14 14 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11
8 8 12 12 12 12 10 10 10 10
7 7 12 12 11 11 9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0 0

D A G
12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 9 9 9
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 8
11 11 11 11 11 11 9 9 7 7
0 0 0 0 0

Em Bm A
9 9 9 5 5 5 4 4 4 2 2 2 2 2 2
8 8 5 5 3 3 2 2 2 2
7 7 4 4 4 4 2 2 2 2
0 0 0 0 0
“Locomotive” Example Solo in B Minor (Relative Minor of D Major)
Bm G
4 4 4 4 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 3 3 3 0 0 0 0
4 4 4 4 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0

D A
4 4 4 4 4 4 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
0 0 0 0

Bm G
4 4 4 4 4 4 9 9 9 9 9 9
3 3 3 3 8 8 8 8
4 4 4 4 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0

D A
12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
11 11 11 11 9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

Bm G
16 16 16 16 16 16 12 12 12 12 12 12
15 15 15 15 12 12 12 12
16 16 16 16 12 12 12 12
0 0 0 0

D A
16 16 16 16 16 16 14 14 14 14 14 14
15 15 15 15 14 14 14 14
14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14
0 0 0 0

Bm G
16 16 16 16 16 16 12 12 12 12 12 12
15 15 15 15 12 12 12 12
16 16 16 16 12 12 12 12
0 0 0 0

D A
16 16 16 16 16 16 19 19 19 19 19 19
15 15 15 15 17 17 17 17
14 14 14 14 18 18 18 18
0 0 0 0
“Reach” - Bonus Solo in D Major (Adding Extensions)
D A
4 4 4 5 5 4 2 2 2 4 4 2
3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
0 0 0 0

G Bm A
0 0 0 2 2 0 4 4 4 2 2 2
0 0 0 0 3 3 2 2
0 0 0 0 4 4 2 2
0 0 0 0

D A
4 4 4 5 5 4 7 7 7 9 9 7
3 3 3 3 5 5 5 5
2 2 2 2 6 6 6 6
0 0 0 0

G Bm A
9 9 9 9 9 9 12 12 12 11 11 11
8 8 8 8 12 12 10 10
7 7 7 7 11 11 9 9
0 0 0 0

D A
16 16 16 17 17 16 14 14 14 16 16 14
15 15 15 15 14 14 14 14
14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14
0 0 0 0

G Bm A
12 12 12 14 14 12 16 16 16 14 14 14
12 12 12 12 15 15 14 14
12 12 12 12 16 16 14 14
0 0 0 0

D A
16 16 16 17 17 16 19 19 19 21 21 19
15 15 15 15 17 17 17 17
14 14 14 14 18 18 18 18
0 0 0 0

G Bm A
17 17 17 19 19 17 16 16 16 14 14 14
15 15 15 15 15 15 14 14
16 16 16 16 16 16 14 14
0 0 0 0
“Waterfall” - Bonus Solo in D Major (Leaving D String Open)
D A G
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 3 2 2 0 0 0 0
2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0

G D A
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 8 7 7 5 5 5 5
7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6
0 0 0 0

G D A D
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
12 12 10 10 14 14 15 15
12 12 11 11 14 14 14 14
0 0 0 0

G D A
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 8 7 7 5 5 5 5
7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6
0 0 0 0

D A G
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 3 2 2 0 0 0 0
2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0

G D A
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 8 7 7 5 5 5 5
7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6
0 0 0 0

G D A D
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
12 12 10 10 14 14 15 15
12 12 11 11 14 14 14 14
0 0 0 0

G D A
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 20 19 19 17 17 17 17
19 19 19 19 18 18 18 18
0 0 0 0
Complete List Of Chords In Every Key Relative Minor

I ii iii IV V vi vii
Major minor minor Major Major minor diminished

C D E F G A B

G A B C D E F#

D E F# G A B C#

A B C# D E F# G#

E F# G# A B C# D#

B C# D# E F# G# A#

F# G# A# B C# D# E#

Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb C

Ab Bb C Db Eb F G

Eb F G Ab Bb C D

Bb C D Eb F G A

F G A Bb C D E
56
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