5 string mando chords

[Shaun.A]

I recently bought a 5 string electric and I'm wondering if anybody can give me any chords
Thanks

[StuartE]

On Mandolin Cafe, mandola chord charts and mandolin chords.

[mandroid]

4 of 5, strings, 2 .. 3 of 5, 3. 3 in middle is the I, 3 lower is the IV, 3 higher is the V, on the same fret.

[Ted Eschliman]

Personal opinion, but the spread of 5ths makes using all five strings in chords somewhat awkward in voicing. I tend to stick to 3-note chords except for an occasional effect, but this is more for pop and jazz music. I typically use the bottom three strings and mute the top two, but that's just me.

[Tom Wright]

This request encouraged me to collect some of the chords I like for five courses. The main Chart List is not complete, but offers some variety. I list a string of C chords, ranging from very open sound conventional 0-0-2-3-3, to more focused, like 0-5-5-3-0, and a version with the 3rd in the bass--4-5-5-3-0. There are a few 7th chords.

For actual use, it would depend on the kind of song and what color you want. For blues or jazz I, like Pete, will tend to use the low range. A handy chord progression in G, that does not jump around but stays close and relaxed, is the three-note chords for G7, C7, and D7:
5-4-5-x-x for G7
4-3-5-x-x for C7
6-5-7-x-x for D7

I like the larger chords for a big-sound rock or country, like the E 4-4-6-2-0.

If you want to try it I include the chords I use for Kashmir. I leave my index finger on the D in the bass, so you can use 2,3,4, or even just 2 and 3 (which I'm doing now with bruised pinky) to cover the other notes. I put one note in parentheses because I don't try to get it to sound. The rhythm is 1,2,3,4 slow and 5,6, faster, 7,8,9,10 again slower followed by the last three charts as the bass line going down, using fingered octaves.

I use individual-string damping a lot, and often in between strings. This takes time to become adept at, but is worth it for more options in voicing.

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[dang]

For actual use, it would depend on the kind of song and what color you want. For blues or jazz I, like Pete, will tend to use the low range.

Pete=Ted?

[Tom Wright]

Busted. Yes, meant Ted.

[lenf12]

Tom said "Busted. Yes, meant Ted."

But also don't forget Pete Martin as a source for mandolin chord voicings.

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

[Pete Martin]

Pete=Ted?

You mean what Tom knows

[Ted Eschliman]

Here's a good place to start: 5-string Mandolin Chord Sets: Major 'ii7 V7 I
Check out the links at the bottom of the page for more.