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Some tips on how to use the Pegram Jam Chord Charts
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Each letter in a chart represents a chord.
Our charts are mostly written in 2/4 time. That means you will play each chord position for two counts. It also helps to add an "and" between each count ("one-and-two-and"). A split bar (written as "G|D" or "A|G) would mean that you would play the first chord for one count ("one-and) and then the second chord for one count ("two-and").
Tunes are made up of "parts"; some have a single part repeated over and over, but the majority of songs have an "A" part and "B" part that are repeated. There are tunes with as many as five parts. Waltzes often use two A parts followed by one B part and another single A part to resolve the round.
Repeat the Part once when you come to " :|| ". To repeat the A part, return to the start of the song. To repeat the B part, return start of the B part, usually marked with " ||:". Some parts do not repeat.
A dash or minus sign after a letter indicates a minor chord (A-, E-, etc).
The number 7 after a chord indicates a dominate seventh chord (A7, E7, etc.)
Most charts do not include sevenths, augmenteds, etc. More advanced players may be able to add those variations when they logically would occur. However, rhythm players can stick to simple major chord formations and the music will generally sound fine.
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Time Signatures
You can put different meters into your head by counting them out in the manner below. Putting the "and" between the counts keeps us from rushing the tempo. Note that there are three optional ways to count both 2/4 and 4/4 time. You should use the count that works best with the melody at hand.
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NOTES IN A MEASURE
2/4 Time two quarter notes
four eighth notes eight sixteenth notes
4/4 Time four quarter notes
eight eighth notes sixteen sixteen notes
3/4 Time Waltz time / three quarter notes
6/8 Time Jig or double jig / six eighth notes
9/8 Time Slip jig / nine eighth notes
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COUNT OUT LOUD OR IN YOUR HEAD
1-2
1-and-2-and
1-eh-and-ah-2-eh-and-ah 1-2-3-4
1-and 2-and 3-and 4-and
1-eh-and-ah 2-eh-and-ah 3-eh-and-ah 4-eh-and-ah
123-123
1-and-ah 2-and-ah or 1- 2-3 4-5 -6
1-and-ah 2-and-ah 3-and-ah
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