The F major chord can have a bad rap as being difficult, but this doesn’t have to be the case! With some simple variations you can practice this essential chord without fret buzz and sore wrists getting in the way.
Radioactive by Imagine Dragons features an incredible guitar part arrangement. In this article we’ll take a close look at each chord used and give some tips to help you master them all!
Key of B Dorian
B Dorian is the second mode in the major scale and shares many characteristics with Aeolian (natural minor) and G Mixolydian – however, unlike these modes it contains an extra major sixth interval, which gives it its characteristic half-bright/half-dark sound.
Dorian fits seamlessly with both minor pentatonic and major scale chords, like this blues lick that uses both Dorian and minor pentatonic. Another distinct characteristic of Dorian is that the distance between major and minor 3rds forms a tritone, adding another unique element.
Learning the Dorian mode begins by first mastering major scale. Once you understand its shapes and positions across the fretboard, learning each of its seven modes should become much simpler.
Each mode is derived from one note in the major scale; Ionian mode uses the first note, Dorian the second note, Phrygian third note etc.
Chords
Chords are essential tools for any guitarist. There are thousands of chords out there with subtle differences that set each one apart; to best learn them, practice regularly using them within songs so that muscle memory develops over time.
Chord charts demonstrate how to play a chord by listing which strings must be played and fingers used on each fret, along with notations showing which string(s) should be muted and which remain open. They may also display symbols such as an “X” or an “O”, indicating whether one string should remain muted and which remain open.
If you’re new to reading chord charts, start by identifying their type (Major, Minor or Dominant). Next, try playing your chosen scale over them – if it fits seamlessly, that may be the one! If not, keep looking until you find several suitable ones which you can incorporate into songwriting or improvisation projects.
Verse 1
When listeners first hear your song, the verse is the first thing they experience. Therefore, it should be memorable and engage listeners on an emotional level; additionally, this demonstrates your musical knowledge as well as ability to compose quality lyrics.
Your verse needs to have enough production value; that means making it louder than the chorus but without going over the top; this allows for a natural increase in energy while satisfying listeners. John Lennon added strings into his verse for “Imagine,” creating more interest for listeners throughout its entirety and keeping them engaged throughout.
The verse typically outlasts the chorus, as its purpose is to build tension within a track and often features key changes or chord progressions that extend its tonic (home key) like an iii or vi chord progression.
Verse 2
Verse in many songs tends to be shorter than chorus and tell a different tale, often featuring similar lyrics but different melodies and chord progression. A great verse will also set up anticipation for its follow up!
Many songwriting theory books recommend that the initial verse should contain eight to 16 bars; however, this should simply serve as a guideline and be chosen based on what sounds appealing to the songwriter.
One approach to building stronger verses is increasing volume or instrumentation; however, this should work in concert with other musical elements to boost overall musical energy. Musical energy fluctuates; if it dips too dramatically during verse, listeners will lose interest; a better way is using rhythmic motif that subtly builds energy from verse to chorus – something used by artists such as Adele, Major Lazer and My Bloody Valentine as one strategy to keep listeners interested.