© Bluestronomical Publishing Inc. 2008

By Jackie Don Loe

~ Magic Chord Blues ~

Here is a “Magic Chord” shape that you can slide up and down the fret board for a nice open sound. To demonstrate the majestic chord tones that you can achieve in the key of E Major, I have included two intros from songs written by Jimi Hendrix.

Start with example one, the intro to “Angel” and put your first finger on the third string, fourth fret, second finger on the fifth string, sixth fret, then the third finger on the fourth string, sixth fret, and finally the fourth finger on the second string, seventh fret with the first and sixth strings ringing open E tones. Now slide this same chord shape down a whole step to play the A 6/E chord. To play the beginning of “Third Stone From The Sun,” example two, simply slide the same chord shape up to where the fourth finger would be on the twelfth fret, mute the first string and keep the low E open, now move this same chord shape down a whole step for the D 6/E chord. Try playing with different chord shapes that retain the same fingering pattern and everyone will know that you are experienced!

Example 1) “Angel” Intro Chords in Key of E Major

E Major 9 / / / | A 6/E / / / ||

Example 2) “Third Stone From The Sun” Intro Chords in Key of E Major

E 6 / / / | D 6/E / / / ||

“Magic Chords”

* The numbers following the chord letter are where you fret your fingers on the string. If there is a "0" then the string is open, if there is an "x" then no note is played.

Enjoy, and always keep your ears open.

     - Jackie Don Loe -

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