Segue into Chords

In the previous section, we looked at how to use positional relationships to identify notes on the neck. Here's another way: Visualize chords that you already know and add notes on the new string that fit the chords. Below are two examples of this: The red shows an extended version of the traditional "E-shaped" barre chord (here creating a G starting at the third fret). The green represents the same inversion a string over, using an "A" to create an inverted E chord. (As you can see, you can create this inversion using a six-string, as well.) The squares represent the root notes on the sixth and fifth strings, respectively.

We've created the 2nd inversion of a G chord (red) and an E chord (green) by adding a note a fifth below.

Note that the root is not the lowest note in either chord. Play through these chords to train your ears to recognize the voicings.

Building chords

Obviously, the seven-string can do more than simply translate your lexicon of six-string chords. In fact, it's the expanded harmonic palette that makes the seven-string guitar so popular among jazz players. You may not find very many chord books published for the seven-string guitar, but the challenge of creating your own voicings is part of the fun.

Here are a few samples that take advantage of the B string. Because these examples are lower in pitch than common guitar chords, it may take some time to get your ears around the voicings.

Let's start with the basic D5 chord.

D5: square represents the root. (Click on image to listen)

The "5" chord is made up of the root and the 5th scale tone. It has a hollow sound. Some players call it a power chord because it is used in hard music with lots of gain and distortion.

Add an F# to the D5 to create a Dmaj. (Click on image to listen)

For major chords, I generally opt to use the 1 and 5 as the two lowest scale tones; playing the 1 and 3 as a close interval in such a low register can sound muddy. Opening up the interval makes the chord more pleasing to the ear.

The low down: a voicing of the Dmaj7 chord (Click on image to listen)

I find this low voicing of the Dmaj7 chord useful for building tension. I like to release it by playing a voicing an octave higher.

Next Page: Minor Chords and More....