Using numbers for chords

Once you understand this it gives a great deal of flexibility. It means you no longer need worry about keys; simply relationships between chords. The chords are given in Roman numerals 1, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII which means the chord based on that note of the scale. Remember that chords I, IV and V are majors and II, III and VI are minors. VII is unlikely to be used.

 

So in the key of E first:         I=E      II=F#m    IV=A    VI = C#m

 

Try using the 'ripple' fingerpick for this one (see guitar notes page) as it is in 3/4 time.

 

Then try another key (say C depending on your voice range)

so this time       I=C     II=Dm   IV=F    VI=Am

 

 

 

Wild Mountain Thyme

           I         IV          I
Oh, the summer time is coming,
IV                   I
And the trees are sweetly blooming,
     IV        I        VI
And the wild mountain thyme
      IV                          VI
O'er the moorlands is perfumin'.
          I   IV      I
Will you go, lassie go?