The Chipola is a sub-genre of the more widely known Joropo. The sub-genres are typically due to following a particular progression although the rhythm is still following the parent genres. The video demonstrates the Chipola progression in the first position. At an intermediate level, a Cuatrista should be able to play this using the different positions of the chords along the fretboard.
The specific progression for Chipola can be viewed within the instructional video found below:
Chipola Progression
The Progression
IV – V7 – I (x 4)
IV – I – V7 – I (x2)
IV – V7 – I (x 4)
IV – I – V7 – I (x2)
IV – V7 – I (x 4)
IV – I – V7 – I (x2)
Black = Major
Red = Minor
Green = Fifth
Example of Chipola in D key
Because of the complexity of this genre, we´re going to divide each bar into two segments, as almost every chord of this Venezuelan genre is made in half bar.
| 0.2.1.2 A7 | 0.2.1.2 A7 | 0.0.0.3 D | 0.0.0.3 D |
| 2.0.1.0 G | 0.2.1.2 A7 | 0.0.0.3 D | 0.0.0.3 D |
| — repeat — | |||
| 2.0.1.0 G | 2.0.1.0 G | 0.0.0.3 D | 0.0.0.3 D |
| 0.2.1.2 A7 | 0.2.1.2 A7 | 0.0.0.3 D | 0.0.0.3 D |
| — repeat — | |||
| 2.2.1.0 Em | 1.2.0.2 F#7 | 2.0.0.0 Bm | 2.0.0.0 Bm |
| 2.2.1.0 Em | 1.2.0.2 F#7 | 2.0.0.0 Bm | 2.0.0.0 Bm |
| — repeat — | |||
| 2.2.1.0 Em | 2.2.1.0 Em | 2.0.0.0 Bm | 2.0.0.0 Bm |
| 1.2.0.2 F#7 | 1.2.0.2 F#7 | 2.0.0.0 Bm | 2.0.0.0 Bm |
| — repeat — | |||
| 0.0.0.3 D | 2.2.2.3 E7 | 0.2.3.2 A | 0.2.3.2 A |
| 0.0.0.3 D | 2.2.2.3 E7 | 0.2.3.2 A | 0.2.3.2 A |
| — repeat — | |||
| 0.0.0.3 D | 0.0.0.3 D | 0.2.3.2 A | 0.2.3.2 A |
| 2.2.2.3 E7 | 2.2.2.3 E7 | 0.2.3.2 A | 0.2.3.2 A |
| — repeat — |
A couple of things to note when playing this progression which you have probably noticed. On occasion between G u0026amp; A7 instead of playing one full bar, the bar is split in 2. This is a semi-bar which means that the initial 3 strums start off with one chord and the last 3 strums finish off with an A7.
Progression-wise, this takes place between the IV u0026amp; V7. Splitting the bars gives a great ring to music and is used widely throughout the world of music. So when you hear a quick switch between one note and another, keep this in mind as they probably just split the bar in 2. Try it out! Whenever you feel ready, go ahead and record your Chipola audio and upload it in this lesson. A teacher will corroborate and give you tips.
