Mastering Blues Run The Game Chords Made Easy

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The art of playing the blues on a guitar is a timeless and universal language that can evoke powerful emotions and connect with people from all walks of life. One of the most iconic and enduring blues songs is "Run the Game" by Jackson C. Frank, which has been covered by countless artists including Nick Drake and Bert Jansch. In this article, we will delve into the world of blues music and explore the chord progression of "Run the Game," making it accessible to guitarists of all levels.

The blues genre is characterized by its soulful, expressive, and often melancholic sound, which is typically achieved through the use of specific chord progressions, scales, and techniques. To master the blues, it's essential to understand the underlying structure and feel of the music. By learning the chords and progression of "Run the Game," you'll be well on your way to playing the blues like a pro.

Understanding the Basics of Blues Music

Before we dive into the specifics of "Run the Game," let's take a brief look at the fundamentals of blues music. The blues typically employs a 12-bar structure, which consists of a repeating pattern of chords that follows a specific sequence. The most common blues progression is the I-IV-V progression, which uses the first, fourth, and fifth chords of a key.

In the case of "Run the Game," the song is written in the key of A minor, which means we'll be using the chords A minor, D major, and E major. The chord progression is a variation of the I-IV-V progression, with a few added twists to give it a more complex and interesting sound.

Chord Progression of "Run the Game"

The chord progression of "Run the Game" is as follows:

Verse: Am - F - G - Am Am - F - G - Am

Chorus: F - G - Am - Em F - G - Am - Em

Bridge: Em - G - D - Am Em - G - D - Am

This progression may look daunting at first, but don't worry, we'll break it down into smaller sections and explore each chord in detail.

Breaking Down the Chords

Let's start by examining each chord in the progression and exploring how to play them on the guitar.

• Am (A minor): This chord is played by placing your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, and your index finger on the 0th fret of the B string.
• F: This chord is played by placing your index finger on the 1st fret of the D string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.
• G: This chord is played by placing your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the D string, your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the G string, and your index finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.
• Em (E minor): This chord is played by placing your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, and your index finger on the 0th fret of the B string.
• D: This chord is played by placing your index finger on the 2nd fret of the B string, your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.

Tips for Playing the Chords

When playing the chords, remember to focus on clean, crisp changes between each chord. Use a metronome to help you keep a steady tempo, and practice switching between chords slowly before increasing the speed.

• Use your fingertips to press the strings down behind the fret, making sure to avoid muting adjacent strings.
• Keep your fingers close to the fretboard and use your wrist to support your hand.
• Use a pick or your fingers to strum the strings, depending on your preferred playing style.

Strumming Patterns and Techniques

Now that we've covered the chords, let's explore some strumming patterns and techniques to add flavor and texture to your playing.

• Downstrokes: Focus on playing downstrokes on the 1st and 3rd beats of each measure, using your wrist to generate power and momentum.
• Upstrokes: Play upstrokes on the 2nd and 4th beats of each measure, using your fingers to create a smooth, even sound.
• Fingerpicking: Experiment with fingerpicking patterns, using your thumb to play the bass notes and your fingers to play the treble notes.

Playing with Feel and Emotion

The blues is all about expressing emotions and telling stories through music. To truly master the blues, you need to connect with the music on a deeper level and play with feeling.

• Listen to recordings of blues musicians and study their playing styles, phrasing, and tone.
• Experiment with different playing techniques, such as bending strings or using vibrato, to add emotional depth to your playing.
• Practice playing along with a metronome or drum machine to develop a strong sense of rhythm and timing.

Conclusion

Mastering the blues requires patience, dedication, and practice. By learning the chord progression of "Run the Game" and exploring the techniques and tips outlined in this article, you'll be well on your way to playing the blues like a pro. Remember to focus on clean, crisp changes between chords, experiment with different strumming patterns and techniques, and play with feeling and emotion.

What's Next?

Now that you've mastered the chord progression of "Run the Game," it's time to take your playing to the next level. Here are a few suggestions for further study and exploration:

• Learn more blues songs and explore different chord progressions and techniques.
• Experiment with writing your own blues songs and melodies.
• Practice playing with other musicians or jamming along with recordings to develop your skills in a real-world setting.