Quick lesson before the weekend... 🎸


Guitar Newsletter January 30th, 2025

Hey there Reader,

Recently I had a great question from a reader about other ways to use the Circle of Keys to find useful information besides just the notes in a particular Major scale or Key. Like, what about the chords?

A great way to find all of the Major Chords in a Key is to look at the adjacent keys on either side of the one you want to play IN.

For example, in the Key of C Major you see F before and G after, so those 3 chords will be Major type chords:

C Major
F Major
G Major

In this classic wheel-style Circle of Keys graphic, it also shows the minor chords under each Major key. SO in the Key of C you'll have:

D minor
E minor
A minor

...and lastly, in every Major Key you'll have that lone diminished chord. In this case: B Diminished.
You can get a jumpstart on how to build these chords all over the neck in the Beginner's Chord Guide.

Email Reader Deal

I have to apologize to those that didn't get the $37 deal on the 5-book-bundle. I setup a new page on the website and assumed it went out to everyone on the newsletter list, but it didn't. I'm posting it here, just this once... 💥

Until Next Time!, Guitarist & Author - Craig Smith


Let's Be Friends! 👇Find me on Social Media
👇

Lifein12Keys.com & GuitarPractice.Pro
3825 Swanfalls Ter. Sanford, FL 32771

LifeIn12Keys.com

Craig Smith is a Guitarist, Teacher, and Writer living in Sanford, Florida. Craig has taught guitar lessons, performed 200+ gigs per year (for over 30 years), and published 4 guitar instructional books. When he’s not gigging, writing, or helping other guitarists, you may find him at the beach with his wife Celeste, 4 Chihuahuas, and a drink. https://lifein12keys.com

Read more from LifeIn12Keys.com
Alternate Picking for Guitarists

Hey there Reader, Going through some of the free lessons on the website and doing some basic website maintenance which I usually dread…. …Sometimes though— things just come together and are better left alone. Here’s one of those lessons: From the Archives (July 2024) I found this gem on Alternate picking. Alternate picking isn’t sexy but it's so integral to so many styles of guitar music from Metal to Country, Pop to Prog. If you like this article, but want to go deeper— you’ll love The 7 Day...

Hello Reader, I’m often asked “what are you listening to lately?” by friends, guitarists, and my readers. Every once in a while a cool album drops that I feel compelled to share with everyone. Flipping through Apple Music yesterday I stumbled upon this Bach-Weiss recording by Alberto Crugnola, an Italian Lutenist. If you love the sound of a guitar, you’ll absolutely love Lute music. It’s a softer, and more nuanced sound compared to a nylon-string Classical Guitar. Alberto Crugnola Alberto...

Hello Reader, The Memorial Day sales are blowing up my inbox so why not create one of my own? I decided to do the lowest price ever on my 5 Guitar Book Bundle.. $12! Here's what you get... The 7 Day Guitar Practice Routine ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Modal Scale Workout Classical Guitar - A Practical Guide Guitar Triads Complete Guide ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Beginners & Beyond Chord Guide Audio + Music Files Instant Downloads Lifetime FREE Replacement Have questions?Want to know more? Let me know what I can do to...