MANDOLIN CHORD LESSONS

Mandolin chords, one level at a time.

Start at level 1 and work up. Every lesson is available in all 12 keys, with a diagram, notation and a play button for every chord.

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First steps · levels 1–2

Level 1

Your first three major chords

I–IV–V–I

Choose a key →Level 1

Switching between two chords

I–V–I–V

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Minor chords in a major key

vi–ii–iii–vi

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The fifties progression

I–vi–IV–V

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The four-chord pop progression

I–V–vi–IV

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Beginner · levels 3–4

Level 3

Suspended chords

Isus4–I–Isus2–I

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Playing in a minor key

i–iv–v–i

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The 12-bar blues

I–IV–I–V–IV–I

Choose a key →Level 4

The Andalusian cadence

i–♭VII–♭VI–V

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The minor pop progression

i–♭VI–♭III–♭VII

Choose a key →Level 4

Dominant seventh chords

I7–IV7–V7

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Major seventh chords

Imaj7–IVmaj7

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Minor seventh chords

ii7–iii7–vi7

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Intermediate · levels 5–6

Level 5

The major ii–V–I

ii7–V7–Imaj7

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Sixth chords

I6–IV6–vi–V

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Slash chords and a walking bass

I–I/3–IV–V

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A descending bass line

I–V/7–vi–I/5–IV

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The I–vi–ii–V turnaround

Imaj7–vi7–ii7–V7

Choose a key →Level 6

Secondary dominants

I–VI7–ii–V7

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Diminished passing chords

I–♯i°7–ii7–V7

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Augmented chords

I–I+–IV–iv

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The minor ii–V–i

iiø7–V7♭9–i

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Advanced · levels 7–8

Level 7

Borrowed chords: the minor iv

I–IV–iv–I

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The minor blues

i–iv–i–♭VI7–V7–i

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Ninth chords

ii9–V9–Imaj9

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The backdoor progression

iv7–♭VII7–Imaj7

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Dominant thirteenth chords

ii9–V13–Imaj9

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Altered dominant chords

ii7–V7♯9–Imaj7 / ii7–V7♭9–Imaj7

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Expert · levels 9–10

Level 9

Tritone substitution

ii7–♭II7–Imaj7

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The jazz blues

I7–IV7–I7–VI7–ii7–V7

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A neo-soul chord loop

IVmaj9–iii7–vi9–ii9–V13

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Rhythm changes (A section)

I–vi–ii–V–iii–VI7–ii–V

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