In this course we will learn to play chords at the same time as melodies.

We will look at:

• How to make chords using scales - you do not need to have all scales memorised as the relevant scales will be included in the lecture videos and you can also use google to look up scales where necessary. Guidance on this is given.

• Where notes are on the neck/fretboard – You do not need to memorise these as we will refer to a diagram but you can if you would like to, in time you might find it happens naturally. A ‘notes on the fretboard’ diagram is included in resources with ‘the theory of adding chord notes to melodies' pdf.

• How to use chord notes to back up/accompany melodies – putting all of that knowledge together to understand how we might add chord notes to a melody in order to make what we are playing sound fuller when playing on our own.

A basic knowledge of some of the main chord shapes - G Major, D Major, C Major - will help.

We will go through three songs together and the focus will be on adding in the chordal accompaniment rather than reading the rhythm therefore if you feel you are more of a beginner please feel free to check out my Beginner's Mandolin Course first.