Eddie Van Halen C Form Barre Chord
In Fretboard Theory Chapter 3, CAGED System Chords, I mentioned the “Keith Richards” trick that uses a partial A form barre chord and a partial C form barre chord. Eddie Van Halen uses the same trick in the Van Halen song, “Runnin’ With The Devil.” See the tab excerpt below. This is a really cool example of using a C form barre chord because it actually goes from the partial A to the partial C through the use of hammer-ons. Thought it was worth sharing.
Click tab image to view full size.
why is there never a song in B major? Is there any “rules” when changing keys within a song?
Generally speaking, the keys that are most common on guitar in popular music are the ones that begin with an open chord such as A, C, D, E, F and G (although it doesn’t use open strings, F is considered an open position shape too). But the key of B still comes up now and then. Songs in the key of B include “Faith” by George Michael, “Crimson and Clover” by Tommy James & The Shondells, “Hold My Hand” by Hootie and The Blowfish and “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz.
There are no rules when it comes to changing keys, but there are recurring patterns. I’m actually in the process of writing a chapter on this topic that will be included in Fretboard Theory Volume 2 which I hope to release this year.