How to Play First Position Closed Chords

Closed mandolin chords or chop chords are the most important skill you can learn on your instrument. They are moveable, meaning you can play them up and down the neck, and they supply the percussion in creative ways. You will be amazed at how versatile they are!

They’re called closed chords because your fingers will close around each of the strings. This makes it so there are no open strings to ring. So, you can move the shape wherever you’d like on the neck of the mandolin to make new chords. For example, shifting a G closed chord up one fret (a half step) will give you a G#/Ab. Two frets (whole-step) up will give you an A. So, by learning a few chord shapes you’ll be able to accomplish a multiplicity of tones from your mandolin.

In this lesson, we’ll discuss the most important chord shapes to know. We’ll learn the patterns in their positions at the top of the neck, just as we did for the major and minor two-finger chords. Most of the chords will be majors. Two of the chord shapes will be minors, but those two shapes are basically the only minor shapes you’ll need.

Once you have these chord shapes down, you’ll have no problem finding every major/minor chord needed. To master the arrangements we’ll use our good 1,4,5 friend La Bamba. They’re not as easy as the two-finger chords; take your time. Your fingers will get stronger and more flexible the more you practice.

Tip:

It’s natural to tense up when attempting these new, difficult chords. But there’s no need for that! Remember to breathe, relax your shoulders and wrists, and maintain a good, comfortable posture.

Key: C

The first chord we’ll learn is an exception to the rule. The “closed” C chord actually has one open string. Anyways, place your finger’s just like the two-finger C chord, index on the second fret of the D, middle finger on the third fret of the A. Then you’ll add your ring finger to the fifth fret of G. Strum down all of the strings, remembering to keep good form, and you’ve got your first closed chord!

Next is the F chord. This shape is one you’ll use a lot when you start to play shapes in other parts of the neck. Your index finger covers the second fret of the G string, your middle finger drapes over both the second fret of the D and A string. Finally, your pinkie will go on the fifth fret of the E string. That’s your first true closed chord! To solidify the F shape, remove all your fingers, wiggle them out and then return them to their positions. Do this a few times a day and you’ll master it in no time.

For the last chord in the C 1,4,5 progression is the infamous closed G chord. This is a particularly difficult chord, and when you’re first learning it you may think it impossible. I promise that it isn’t and that with patient training you will form the G chord comfortably.

Here it goes. You’ll set up your fingers in the same shape as the close C chord, but one set of strings down. So your index will be on the second fret of the A string, etc. After your set up, you’ll reach your pinkie to the seventh fret. It isn’t going to be easy but you can do it!

Tip:

For each of these chords, when you form the shape apply pressure down on the strings and then loosen the pressure, still keeping the shape. Then reapply the pressure. Make sure to use the tips of your fingers down on the strings unless you’re covering two string sets as with the middle finger in the F shape. By doing this your fingers will get strong!

Key: G

For the key of G, there’s just one new chord shape to learn. Of course, you have to deal with the cumbersome G chord again, this progression is not more difficult than the key of C. So practice again playing through the G and C chords. Remove your fingers, replace them. Try to get as crisp of a sound as you can. No buzzing or muted strings.

For the D chord, you’ll notice that it’s essentially like playing a two-finger C chord, but a whole step up, deploying your index and middle fingers as a natural capo. Set your index and middle finger on the second frets of the G and E strings, just like the two-finger D chord. Then place your ring digit on the fourth fret of the D string and pinkie on the fifth fret of the A string. Strum all of the strings and you’ve got the closed D chord.

Key: D

You are familiar with the first two chords here. The new chord in this progression is the A shape. This is another very useful shape, it’s used even more often than the closed F! To create this chord you’ll lay your index over the second frets of the G and D strings, then use your ring finger to cover the fourth fret of the A string, and your pinkie to cover the fifth fret of the E string.

Key: A

We are now at the point where you have already learned all of the patterns, you just need to place them on different frets in order to create new notes. The A and D chord you already know, and the E you basically do too! It’s just the F shape, moved back one fret.

The chart above shows the order of musical notes. Each block is a half-step or one fret. So If you have the chord shape for F, and move back a half step then you’ll create an E. See what I mean about how versatile these shapes are?

Key: F

This is the same thing as before. But instead of the F shape, we’re dealing with the A shape. You already know the F and C shapes, and you know the Bb shape because you know the A shape. Check out the chart showing the order of notes. Bb is just a half step up from A. Meaning, you just move the A shape up a fret and you’ve got your new chord.

Closed Minor Chords

There you have it. Those are the two closed minor shapes you’re going to need to know. Using just these two patters you’ll be able to play every minor chord imaginable. Here’s how they work:

For the Am, you’re going to set up your fingers just like the A shape but this time you’ll engage your middle finger instead of your ring. Drape both the second fret of the G and D strings with your index finger, cover the third fret of the A string with your middle finger and use your pinkie on the fifth fret of the E.

The closed Em is done exactly like the two-finger Em chord, but you add your ring finger to the fourth fret of the G string. In a way, it’s similar to the C major two-finger and closed chord.

So, you put your index finger over both the D and A string’s second fret, the tip of the middle finger on the third fret of the E string, and finally, you reach your ring finger up to the fourth fret of the G string.

In our next lesson, we’ll discuss where and when to use these minor shapes and the major ones as well, to form dozens of other chord notes. While you can’t play much of a progression with just those two minor chords now, in the next lesson you sure will.