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MATT WARNOCK GUITAR
Your Online Guide to Playing Better Jazz Guitar
How To Play Drop 2 and 4 Chords On Guitar

Though not as commonly used as Drop 2
and Drop 3 chords, Drop 2 and 4 Chords
can offer variety when comping using the
6th and 5th strings as the lowest notes of
any voicing.
Often used in solo and duo situations, when
there is no bass player, Drop 2 and 4
Chords offer a full-sounding voicing
that can be used in place of any Drop 3
Chord you know when you are looking to
bring a sense of variety to your chord playing.
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bring a sense of variety to your chord playing.
To learn more about jazz guitar chords, check out my related lessons.
Drop 2 Chords for Guitar

Drop 3 Chords for Guitar
Beginner Drop 2 Chords
Beginner Drop 3 Chords
Intro to Jazz Guitar Chords
Now, grab your guitar and lets get started with learning how to build, play and apply
Drop 2 and 4 chords to your jazz guitar comping and chord soloing phrases.
Dont forget to download your FREE Jazz Guitar eBook!
What Are Drop 2 and 4 Chords

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Since these shapes are less commonly used than other jazz guitar chord voicings, lets
begin by looking at the intervallic structure of each inversion of Drop 2 and 4
chords before taking them to the fretboard.
The name Drop 2 and 4 comes from the fact that in order to build these chord shapes,
you take a closed position chord, 1-3-5-7, and drop the 2nd and 4th notes from the
top down and octave, forming the interval pattern 1-5-3-7.
Here is how that looks like on the fretboard to help with visualizing this chord
construction, notice that each Drop 2 and 4 chord has a string skip between the middle
two notes as this is a characteristic of these shapes.
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When you lower the 2nd and 4th note of any closed-position chord by an octave, you
will then produce the following four interval patterns for each inversion of Drop 2 and 4
Chords.
Root Position R-5-3-7

1st Inversion 3-7-5-R
2nd Inversion 5-R-7-3
3rd Inversion 7-3-R-5
These formulae works for any chord type you can think of, you just have to alter the
interval qualities to fit that chord type.
For example, a root position Drop 2 and 4 7th chord is built R-5-3-b7, a m7 chord
would be R-5-b3-b7, etc.
The intervals change to match the chord you are playing, but the order of the intervals
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always remains the same.

To help you take these shapes from the page and onto the fretboard, lets take a look
at 8 different, 4 per string set, Drop 2 and 4 chords for all of the common chord qualities
used in jazz.
Each of these groups of Drop 2 and 4 chords is written with a C root, so make sure to
move them to other keys around the fretboard as you explore these shapes further
in your jazz guitar practice routine.
Drop 2 and 4 Maj7 Chords

To begin, here are 8 different Cmaj7 Drop 2 and 4 chords, which have the interval
structure:
Root Position R-5-3-7

1st Inversion 3-7-5-R
2nd Inversion 5-R-7-3
3rd Inversion 7-3-R-5
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Here are four inversions of Cmaj7 with the lowest note on the 6th string.
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You can also play these Drop 2 and 4 chords with the lowest note on the 5th string.
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Drop 2 and 4 7th Chords

Here are 8 different C7 Drop 2 and 4 chords, which have the interval structure:
Root Position R-5-3-b7

1st Inversion 3-b7-5-R
2nd Inversion 5-R-b7-3
3rd Inversion b7-3-R-5
Here are four inversions of C7 with the lowest note on the 6th string.
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Drop 2 and 4 m7 Chords

Here are 8 different Cm7 Drop 2 and 4 chords, which have the interval structure:
Root Position R-5-b3-b7

1st Inversion b3-b7-5-R
2nd Inversion 5-R-b7-b3
3rd Inversion b7-b3-R-5
Here are four inversions of Cm7 with the lowest note on the 6th string.
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Drop 2 and 4 m7b5 Chords

Here are 8 different Cm7b5 Drop 2 and 4 chords, which have the interval structure:
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Root Position R-b5-b3-b7

1st Inversion b3-b7-b5-R
2nd Inversion b5-R-b7-b3
3rd Inversion b7-b3-R-b5
Here are four inversions of Cm7b5 with the lowest note on the 6th string.
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Drop 2 and 4 dim7 Chords

Here are 8 different Cdim7 Drop 2 and 4 chords, which have the interval structure:
Root Position R-b5-b3-bb7

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1st Inversion b3-bb7-b5-R

2nd Inversion b5-R-bb7-b3
3rd Inversion bb7-b3-R-b5
Here are four inversions of Cdim7 with the lowest note on the 6th string.
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Drop 2 and 4 mMaj7 Chords

Here are 8 different CmMaj7 Drop 2 and 4 chords, which have the interval structure:
Root Position R-5-b3-7

1st Inversion b3-7-5-R
2nd Inversion 5-R-7-b3
3rd Inversion 7-b3-R-5
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Here are four inversions of CmMaj7 with the lowest note on the 6th string.
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Drop 2 and 4 7#11 Chords

Here are 8 different C7#11 Drop 2 and 4 chords, which have the interval structure:
Root Position R-#11-3-b7

1st Inversion 3-b7-#11-R
2nd Inversion #11-R-b7-3
3rd Inversion b7-3-R-#11
Here are four inversions of C7#11 with the lowest note on the 6th string.
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Drop 2 and 4 Maj7#11 Chords

Here are 8 different Cmaj7#11 Drop 2 and 4 chords, which have the interval structure:
Root Position R-#11-3-7

1st Inversion 3-7-#11-R
2nd Inversion #11-R-7-3
3rd Inversion 7-3-R-#11
Here are four inversions of Cmaj7#11 with the lowest note on the 6th string.
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Drop 2 and 4 Chord Exercise 1 Qualities

The first exercise you can use to internalize Drop 2 and 4 chords is based on finding
chords that are only one note different from other shapes, and then moving between
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these chords on the fretboard.

Here is a favorite example of this exercise that covers 5 different chord types in one
exercise.
Try playing these chords using Drop 2 and 4 shapes in C, before moving them to other
keys on the fretboard.
As well, you can use any string set, and any inversion, to outline these shapes, just
stick to the same one for each time through the exercise.
So, if you play the first Cmaj7 chord as a 1st inversion with the root on the 6th string,
keep that same outline as you then move to the other chords in the exercise, meaning
you play every chord as a 1st inversion with the lowest note on the 5th string.
Here is another progression that I like to use where the second chord is built by altering
one note from the first chord shape.
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Lastly, here is another chord progression you can use to learn and memorize various
types of Drop 2 and 4 chords in the practice room.
Once you have worked through these three progressions in various keys and in all
inversions on different string sets, try coming up with your own progressions to work
Drop 2 and 4 chords in the woodshed.
Drop 2 and 4 Chord Exercise 2 Major ii V I VI Chords

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This exercise brings a practical application of Drop 2 and 4 chords to your practice
routine, as you outline major key ii V I VI changes using Drop 2 and 4 voice leading.
When doing so, you being on any iim7 Drop 2 and 4 chord, such as the root position in
the example below, and then move to the closest V7 chord, Imaj7 and VI7b9 chord in
that area of the fretboard.
Here is how that looks on the neck of the guitar.
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When doing so, you will always use the following inversions for each chord.
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R-2nd-R-1st
1st-3rd-1st-2nd
2nd-R-2nd-3rd
3rd-1st-3rd-R
This order of inversions is the same for major and minor ii V I vi progressions, and
so its worth memorizing as you take this exercise further in the woodshed.
Once you have worked out the example above, try moving to the other inversions of
Dm7 on the top-4 strings and voice leading the chords from there through the
progression.
Then, move on to different keys on that string set, and onto other string sets before
applying these shapes to a full tune in your studies.
Drop 2 and 4 Chord Exercise 3 Minor ii V I VI Chords

You can then repeat the previous exercise with minor key ii V I vi chords, as you can
see in the following example.
Again, once you have these shapes down in various keys and on a few string sets, try
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taking them to a tune such as Summertime, which has both major and minor ii V I
changes in order to hear and see how these chords apply to a musical situation.
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Do you have a question or comment about Drop 2 and 4 chords? Share your thoughts
in the comments section below.
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13 Comments
1. jez, July 12, 2011:
Hi Matt,
Just wanted to say, fantastic resources you have here, very helpful for a budding
old jazz learner like myself. Much appreciated!
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Jez
2. Matt Warnock, July 12, 2011:
thanks for checking out the site, glad it is helpful! If you have any questions along
the way feel free to ask, enjoy learning to play jazz guitar!
3. rick bourne, September 26, 2011:
Also like them every second is worth it
4. Mark, June 3, 2012:
Hi Matt,
I understand Drop 2 and Drop 3 chords, but am having trouble understanding
these Drop 2 and 4 chords. Could you explain from a notational perspective and
then from a guitar perspective? Again, great site! Your site is clearing up
concepts Ive been struggling with for years!
5. Mark, June 3, 2012:
I think I get it now after thinking about it a little more, but you can still explain if
youd like :)
6. Mark, June 3, 2012:
The guitar nerd part of me cannot sleep until this question is clarified, so I will
attempt to explain and you can let me know if my thinking is correct.
It is easier for me to start out with a closed spelling of the chord and then work
from there. So, the chord you call Root position: R-5th-3rd-7th was originally a
7th chord in 1st inversion (3rd-5th-7th-R) before the dropping happened. You
then drop the 5th, which is the Drop 2 part. For the Drop 4 part, you drop the R.
To summarize:
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Start with 3rd-5th-7th-R (1st inversion 7th chord)

Drop 2 (the 5th) and you have 5th-3rd-7th-R
Drop 4 (the R) and you have R-5th-3rd-7th
Therefore, the Drop 2 and 4 chord in Root position is R-5th-3rd-7th since the R
is on bottom.
For inversions, just move each scale degree to the next one in the chord, and
youve got all four spellings.
Is my thinking correct? Maybe now I can go to sleep :)
7. Matthew Warnock, June 3, 2012:
Hey Mark,
you can think of them that way if you like, I prefer to think of them as an interval
structure on the guitar since thats the easiest way for me to visualize them and
move them around the neck.
So I just think of Drop 2 and 4 as being R-5-7-3 and then its inversions across the
neck.
Since I think about it from a fretboard perspective, if I were to compare it to a
closed position chord, i would think of it as just moving the 3rd up to the top of the
chord and raising the 7th up an octave to get that fingering.
I like to relate root position chords to root position chords since it helps me see
their relationship on the neck and keep the lowest note the same, some people
prefer to think of it like you did which is totally cool. Whatever works and make it
easiest to play these chords is great.
8. Luis Hctor Pia (@luishem), May 19, 2013:
The way i learned drop 2, 3 and 2&4 voicings in two weeks: Practice one kind in
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one set of strings at a time following the cycle of 4ts in a chosen position. IE: in
first position Cmaj7, Fmaj7, Bbmaj7, Ebmaj7 etc using drop 2 voincings on the
first four strings.
Set your metronome in 100bpm playing one change every 4 beats, after you can
do it effortlessly increase the tempo to 120, then 140, 160, 170, 180 and then
back to 100 bpm, but changing chords every two beats. When your able to play
one change every beat at 100bpm without hesitating youre done with that
particular chord in that particular kind of voicing.
9. Alexandre Patin, July 10, 2013:
thank you very much Matt, your website is a reference for all guitarists who want
to learn to cook good sound! hugs from asturias
10. Matthias, September 5, 2013:
Thanks I will try that. As a beginner to these kind of chords, I am having
difficulties with some of the stretches any recommendation for a good warming
up for these kind of exercises (especially for the wrist)?
Thanks,
Matthias
11. Matt Warnock, September 5, 2013:
Hey, try this exercise out, its my favorite warmup and should help with these
issues.
http://mattwarnockguitar.com/the-rolle-building-dexterity-and-finger-control-forjazz-guitarists
12. Bhakti, November 21, 2014:
Hi Matt!
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You wrote:
For example, a root position Drop 2 and 4 7thchord is built R-5-b3-b7, a m7
chord would be R-5-b3-b7, etc.
I believe you meant the drop 2 & 4 7th chord is built on R-5-3-b7.
(Of course the m7 has the b3.)
You know how much I love your site and everything you teachheck, I started
playing in 1977 and can no longer play too much due to spinal disease and I
STILL read your site religiouslysimply because I love visualizing playing what
youre teaching! I just wanted to point out this minor typo (no pun intended! Ha!)
in case it causes anyone confusion.
Thanks again for all you give to the guitar community.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Bhakti
13. Matt Warnock, November 21, 2014:
Thanks! Got it fixed.
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Home About Start Here New Lessons Jazz Arpeggios Jazz Chords Jazz Licks Jazz Scales Estore

MATT WARNOCK GUITAR

Your Online Guide to Playing Better Jazz Guitar

How To Play Drop 2 and 4 Chords On Guitar

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

bring a sense of variety to your chord playing.

Drop 2 Chords for Guitar

Dont forget to download your FREE Jazz Guitar eBook!

What Are Drop 2 and 4 Chords

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

Root Position R-5-3-7

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

always remains the same.

Drop 2 and 4 Maj7 Chords

Root Position R-5-3-7

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

Drop 2 and 4 7th Chords

Root Position R-5-3-b7

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

Drop 2 and 4 m7 Chords

Root Position R-5-b3-b7

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Drop 2 and 4 m7b5 Chords

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Root Position R-b5-b3-b7

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Drop 2 and 4 dim7 Chords

Root Position R-b5-b3-bb7

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1st Inversion b3-bb7-b5-R

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Drop 2 and 4 mMaj7 Chords

Root Position R-5-b3-7