https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/closed-major-chord-shape-1-the-1-4-5-mandolin-beginner
We’ll learn the closed chop chord shape, find all the major chords, and follow a formula to easily find our 1, 4, & 5 in every key!
Discuss the Mandolin lesson: Closed Major Chord Shape #1 & the 1, 4, & 5
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Someone requested this lesson just a week or so ago on the forum, or I thought they did…but I can’t find the thread. If anyone finds it, please let me know!
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Never mind, it was an email and I found it! Though, I wouldn’t be surprised if this lesson was asked for in the past. It’s been on my mind for years to teach, finally able to get the graphics I wanted!
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I seem to recall someone responding to a guitar lesson that asked a similar question.
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You’ve anticipated a question I wanted to ask…thank you!
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you mentioned in this thread that you were doing this lessons that might be what you were remembering.
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Great, and meaty lesson! Even though I have been playing mandolin for a little while, this was a fantastic refresher. I absolutely loved the graphics, and I really enjoyed the dive into practical music theory. I hope to see many more videos just like this one! 
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Awesome lesson. I need to drill this into my head a bit (how to find the 1, 4, 5) but once I do I know it’ll help.
Due to how very important they are, I’ve decided to offer the pdf resources for everyone. I didn’t include every key in the chart, rather just the most common bluegrass keys. However, with this knowledge you can go on to find any major chord you want with this shape. Here you go! Enjoy!
Chord Chart for Closed Major Shape #1
ClosedMajorShape1.pdf (672.8 KB)
Quick Guide for Finding the 1, 4, & 5
1-4-5-QuickGuide.pdf (270.3 KB)
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Working on that, thanks! Keep in mind the Quick Guide is good for all instruments.
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Ben, this lesson is brilliant! Especially your discussion of how the mandolin is tuned as it relates to moving the chords around. More please! Jeff
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I believe I’m the culprit who sent the original email request. Wow! Didn’t expect a response like this. It makes so much more sense using this formula for learning chords rather than trying to memorize chord charts. Thanks!
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I’m really struggling with 4th finger. It absolutely won’t reach the G string no matter how I contort my hand. I know there are 3 note and open string chords that are acceptable substitutions but will thus be a huge limitation in my playing going forward?
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When I started playing the mandolin about 3 years ago, I had to use my other hand to physically stretch out and place my pinky on the G string. With daily practice and exercise, you will gain additional strength and flexibility. It seems impossible, but if you keep at it, it will get easier and easier.
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@suebee60 Susan , Welcome to the Forum!
I do not use the classic big 4 finger chop chords. An old injury makes that shape uncomfortable for me to play. I can and do play and chop just fine using other chord shapes - 2, 3, and (different) 4 finger variations. Definitely keep trying, as posted above, it all gets easier & easier the more you keep at it, and that goes for chord shapes as well as playing melodies etc. But… if it doesn’t come together for you, don’t despair, there are plenty of other options you can use! This forum is loaded with a bunch of friendly, knowledgeable & helpful folks! The trick is to have fun and enjoy the journey, however you get there 
! EDIT: To actually answer your question, I do not believe it will be a limitation for you going fwd. It has not hindered me other than my needless worrying about not being able to play that particular form.
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you don’t have to have them, no, but they’re hard and seemingly impossible for nearly everyone that tries them…at first 
Watch this lesson: https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/modern-mandolin-rhythm-key-of-g-mandolin-intermediate
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Thanks so much for your helpful comments Simone!
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@suebee60
Susan, you’re very welcome. If there’s any specific “alternate” chord shapes you’ve a question on, be happy to help if I can 
!
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