CHORDS
Chords are the building blocks of harmony and form the harmonic foundation of a piece of music. Chords provide the harmonic support and coloration that accompany melodies and contribute to the overall sound and mood of a musical composition. Every guitarist, no matter what their role in the band may be, will need to be very familiar with chords and how they are constructed.
Chords can be played all over the freboard, giving some more interest. In the beginning it's important to focus on easier chords. By learning some simple triads you'll actually be able to play hundreds, if not thousands, of songs. As you advance, you'll want to learn variations on these triads to make your playing more interesting.
Chords can be played all over the freboard, giving some more interest. In the beginning it's important to focus on easier chords. By learning some simple triads you'll actually be able to play hundreds, if not thousands, of songs. As you advance, you'll want to learn variations on these triads to make your playing more interesting.
Triads
Triads are 3 note chords. In chords the 3rd is what makes the chord sound major or minor. Flattened 3rds sound almost melancholic. 3rds sound complete and happy.
Chord Type
| Major | 1 | 3 | 5 | ||||
| Minor | 1 | b3 | 5 | ||||
| Diminished | 1 | b3 | b5 | ||||
| Augmented | 1 | 3 | #5 |
7th Chord
7th chords are used a lot in jazz and blues. They add extra depth and interest to your chord play.
Chord Type
| Major 7th | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | |||
| Minor 7th | 1 | b3 | 5 | b7 | |||
| Dominant 7th | 1 | 3 | 5 | b7 |
Suspended Chords
Suspended chords are odd, in that they don't contain a 3rd. Without a 3rd, these chords are neither major or minor. They can add some tension to your playing.
Chord Type
| Sus4 (Sus) | 1 | 4 | 5 | ||||
| Sus2 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
Extended Chords
Extended chords contain notes beyond the 7th. In some cases, due to lack of strings or fingers, you'll have to drop some notes (not play them). These dropped notes don't add anything ot the tonality of the chord so it won't hurt the sound when you don't play them.
Chord Type
| Major 6th | 1 | 3 | 5 | 6 | |||
| Minor 6th | 1 | b3 | 5 | 6 | |||
| Major 9th | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | ||
| Minor 9th | 1 | b3 | 5 | b7 | 9 | ||
| Major 11th | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | (9) | 11 | |
| Minor 11th | 1 | b3 | 5 | b7 | 9 | 11 | |
| Major 13th | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | (9) | 11 | 13 |
| Minor 13th | 1 | b3 | 5 | b7 | (9) | 11 | 13 |
Power Chords
Extended chords contain notes beyond the 7th. In some cases, due to lack of strings or fingers, you'll have to drop some notes (not play them). These dropped notes don't add anything ot the tonality of the chord so it won't hurt the sound when you don't play them.
Chord Type
| 5th | 1 | 5 | |||||
| Flat 5th | 1 | b5 |
Barre Chords
Barre chords are chords that use the index finger to 'barre' all 5 or 6 strings. This creates a movable nut, which allows you to use the same shape to play chords all over the fretboard. There are shapes for each chord type.
Other Movable Chords
Barre chords are chords that use the index finger to 'barre' all 5 or 6 strings. This creates a movable nut, which allows you to use the same shape to play chords all over the fretboard. There are shapes for each chord type. Obviously, the less strings you play the less full your chords will sound, but they still work well.