Finding your vi minor chord

ByJody

Today we will talk about finding the vi minor chord all over your banjo neck.

Why the vi minor? Because it is the most common minor chord that occurs in songs. Listen to “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” for a good example; I did a write-up on this song if you want to see it in action.

Need to review your minor chords? Check out my Ultimate Banjo Chord guide.

Most common Minor Chord -6minor

Let’s look at the key of G.  Here are the primary chords in the key of G.

I = G Major

ii = A minor

iii = B minor

IV = C Maj

V = D maj

vi = Emin

vii = F# diminished

The vi minor chord in the key of G is Eminor. Let’s take a look at the notes in each of these chords:

Difference between the I and vi minor

G major = G B D and E minor = E G B

Notice that these chords have TWO notes in common (G and B). The only difference is the D in the G major chord is moved up to E. So, how does this translate to our instrument?

It means we have to move our fingers very little.

Understand that the fingering of this vi minor chord can/does change depending on the chord you’ve came from or the chord you are going to. However, these examples will help you see the vi minor very quickly regardless of the key you are playing in.

Shape #1

G major to E minor banjo tab

In this shape, all you need to do to move from the G major to Eminor is drop your ring into the 2nd string.  The great thing about this is it is moveable.  Therefore, if you want to do the same in the key of A, you just move everything up two frets.

 

Shape #2

G to Eminor banjo chords at the 7th fret

Start with your G major at the 7th fret, be sure to use your pinky on the 9th fret. All you need to do is drop your ring finger onto the 9th fret of the 3rd string. This makes moving from the I to vi minor very quick. Understand that I don’t always use this fingering. Often I will do middle finger on the 9th fret, 3rd string, index finger on the 8th fret, 2nd string, and ring on the 1st string. It depends on the situation. However, if I am moving from I to vi minor, I will use shape #2 above often

Shape #3

banjo chord barring the 12th fret showing G to Eminor change.

This one is very easy to do. Barre at the 12th fret for your G major chord and then add your pinky at the 14th fret to turn it into the Eminor chord.

Songs using the I to vi minor

Here are a few songs that use the I to vi minor chord motion a lot:

  • Temperance Reel
  • Foggy Mountain Breakdown
  • Big Spike Hammer
  • Cumberland Gap
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Professional musician and educator of 27 years. I've played Banjo and Acoustic Guitar on the stages of Carnegie Hall, The Grand Ole Opry, and The Ryman Auditorium. 4X winner of the Georgia State banjo and flatpick guitar competitions. My banjo playing was featured in the "A Waltons Thanksgiving" movie.

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