Knowing these reference points and octave shapes also improves chord knowledge. For instance, play a G major chord with the root on the E string (Ex. 1). Move the G note up and octave to the D string. Because this note is on the D string, we must use a “D shaped” chord to play another G chord (Ex. 2). If a G chord is played with the root on the A string, we use an “A shaped” chord to play G major (Ex. 3). These different chord shapes are used for variety when playing progressions. In the example below, we’ll try variations on a simple I, IV, V pattern.

This principle works with all chords. There are more lessons on guitar chords. If you need a quick refresher on what “I, IV, and V” mean and how they are played, check out this video.