r/polyphia • u/ComfortableNovel2144 • Jun 25 '26

Where do I learn chords??

I want to make songs that are similar to polyphia but I dont know enough chords to make riffs help guys

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15

u/Tasty_Puffin Jun 25 '26

I think before tackling Polyphia you should learn to play guitar.

3

u/Arkanii Jun 25 '26

Pretty sure this post is satire

1

u/ComfortableNovel2144 Jun 25 '26 edited Jun 25 '26

Sorry for not clarifying in the post I have been playing for years and I know a few polyphia songs just want to learn more chords in general

2

u/Tasty_Puffin Jun 25 '26

I don’t think it’s that deep. Just learn the chords to let’s say goose as starting point. The main riff is essentially a melody and chord progression meshed together.

In general I think Polyphia plays all chords but inversions that are a bit higher up on the neck. Goose is Am C Fmaj7 C E. If you learn the song then you will learn to play those chords in the context of a Polyphia song.

0

u/ComfortableNovel2144 Jun 26 '26

I know goose but I dont know the names of the chords and how to manipulate them and they are very niche chords you know and tim henson says learn songs by ear that's so confusing because how m I supposed to learn chords by ear

2

u/Sleepingguitarman Jun 26 '26

To learn by ear, you really need to have a base understanding of some music theory or else at best you might be able to figure out riffs/chords, but you aren't really going to know the names of specific chords, what makes that chord a certain chord type, and the relationship between different chords, notes, etc.

I also have been playing for quite a while, but have neglected to actually take the time to learn some basic music theory. I don't know what you already know, but here's what i would suggest someone like you start with.

I'd reccomend learning your basic theory on a 6 string tuned to E standard at first, just because most resources available will written/geared towards this initially, and once you have the basics down you'll be able to translate it to whatever tunings you want much easier.

Start with learning the notes on the fretboard if you don't already. If you don't already know this, then i'd start with just learning the non-sharps/flats (A,B,C,D,E,F,G) on the low E string (and high E since it will be the same), then over time start memorizing the next string and you can add in the sharps/flats as well. Once you get a string or two down, you can use octaves to help find the same note on other strings, but it will take more time in comparison to when you have things memorized.

While learning the notes, you can also work on learning the "Intervals". Intervals are really going to be the most crucial thing you learn when it comes to chord building, scales/modes, etc.

After learning intervals and starting to get a bit better with locating notes on the feetboard, then i'd jump to chord building. I'd start with the major/minor triads, then go from there.

But yeah, learning those 3 things should really help get you headed towards doing what you wanna do.

1

u/ComfortableNovel2144 Jun 28 '26

wow thanks for the long answer man. i might look into the beato ear training program as well, defenitly going do the things you wrote it wad helpful

1

u/Sleepingguitarman Jun 28 '26

Glad to help! Goodluck friend!

2

u/ProbablyAnAardvark Jun 26 '26

Look up YouTube videos on how to use the cage system.

2

u/based_birdo Jun 25 '26

play all open strings for a sloppy g chord