Chords (consisting of multiple notes played simultaneously) produce a fuller sound than single note strums and offer numerous rhythm options.
Beginners usually start off learning open position “cowboy chords”, followed by barre chords. In this lesson, we’ll look at ways of moving chord shapes up the neck without using a capo.
Open Position
Once you have all your barre chords under control, this week’s lesson provides the confidence and methodology to explore new open chord shapes within your music. This exercise can be particularly beneficial to musicians who feel restricted by scale patterns.
Open chords, also referred to as cowboy chords, offer an ideal starting point if you’re searching for an alternative to standard barre chords. Open chords create movement while shifting between various chords over a drone bass; their texture has often been described as pointillism in music after its use as an art technique where tiny dots of colour create images.
Open chords get their name from their open strings; that is, those which don’t require you to press down any frets with your fingers. To identify an open chord shape on a string you want to move up the fretboard, look for its first major scale pattern that starts on it (see diagram below). For instance, if A is the opening note in G major scale you’ll likely find all A chords around 12th fret of E string.
Barre Chords
Barre chords can add depth and variety to your rhythm playing, providing additional depth and variety. Once you learn how to barre all frets with your index finger (as per diagram above), these chord shapes can move quickly up and down the fretboard.
Be mindful when using your index finger to barre a string; using only minimal pressure allows the muscles in your back to support your hand rather than tiring out quickly due to smaller and weaker muscles in your fingers.
Practice barre chords on all six strings at first until you can do them with just your index finger – this will help prevent buzzed strings which can be an issue for newcomers. Also try barring only as high up the fretboard as your index finger can reach.
Thumbing the 5th String
If you are playing chord shapes up the neck, using your thumb to mute the 5th string may be useful when playing barre chords – otherwise they could end up sounding rather lifeless and dull.
Thumbing the fifth string can also come in handy when playing bar chords that require fretting with the ring finger; this can be challenging for students who are still learning how to finger their ring fingers correctly.
Typically, the ideal spot to put your thumb is slightly above the first fret but not so high that fingers 2 and 3 can curl around it easily. This will allow for clear notes when fretting chords; however, it will take time to develop the necessary sensitivity in your thumb for this position; experiment until you find one that works for you and be patient – eventually everything will come together!
Rhythm Techniques
Rhythm techniques enhance your chord playing by providing additional opportunities to create compelling rhythms, making the chords you already play more interesting and enjoyable to play.
Moving open chord shapes across the fretboard enables us to produce a range of unique sounds not available from barre chords alone. For instance, by playing the same C shape three-quarters up the neck and adding your little finger at fret 2 of string 1 we create what is known as an Augmented C chord. Give it a try now!
Use double stops and partial chords as another great trick! Doing this will reduce the number of notes in a chord and make it simpler and cleaner to play – give this technique a try on some familiar chords, for instance a G chord can become a Bb chord by simply adding your little finger at fret seven of string two;