An effective bridge can bring about an exciting transformation between verses and chorus, offering new ideas and emotions to explore and setting up the form of the song itself.
When reading guitar tabs, remember that vertical rows of numbers indicate chords. Play all number-marked frets at once to form one chord.
1. A minor chord
Minor chords are essential in creating the mood of any song – from soulful ballads to upbeat rock songs – and understanding their mechanics can make you a more expressive guitarist.
Minor chords are composed of specific notes in a scale, though their arrangement differs. While major chords share similarities with minor scales in terms of their first, third, and fifth notes being equivalent, with only their third note having its frequency adjusted by half steps for greater equivalency.
This produces a minor triad, consisting of the root note, flattened third note and fifth. This chord can be played open easily using only three fingers and some “finger gymnastics.”
2. B minor chord
The B minor chord is one of the most distinct musical keys, providing iconic metal songs like Megadeth’s Tornado of Souls and Hotel California from classic rock to classical melodies by Tchaikovsky like his Swan Lake Theme. Understanding B minor is essential for any guitarist.
Beginners learning B minor usually begin with barre chords – which involves playing all five strings using only their right hands, inverted. While this may present unique fingering challenges for novice musicians, barre chords help ensure an abundant sound when played properly. As with all new chords, practice this one first using only your right hand until it feels natural before expanding it with both left hands.
3. C minor chord
C minor chords are an indispensable element in music, providing it with both emotion and depth to your songs.
A C minor chord contains three notes, C, Eb and G. Its root note (C) gives it its minor quality while its intervals between other notes give the chord structure and definition.
The C minor chord can be played in several positions and voicings. The open position without barre chords produces a bright and resonant sound while barre chords allow more control over its sound. You can also play this chord both first and second inversion.
4. D minor chord
D minor is commonly used to create melancholic songs; however, when played using specific chord progressions and variations it can sound uplifting and give an upbeat tinge to any composition.
If you want to add tension and anticipation to a D minor song, try including chromatic chord sequences or movements into it. Chord progressions that ascend and descend can create an additional sense of anticipation and suspense.
Furthermore, secondary dominant chords in D minor can create an impactful and dynamic soundscape. Just make sure your chord sequences fall within the relative major and minor scales for best results; otherwise your chords could clash and sound unnatural; hence it is vitally important that guitarists study and practice guitar chords in their natural scales.
5. E minor chord
This chord is one of the easiest minor chords to learn, preparing you for many open minor formations. Strumming all six strings results in a more complex sound. Marvin Gaye famously used this chord in his “Let’s Get It On” song by creating an easy yet deep progression allowing vocals, drums, and horns to dance around its bridge.
An E minor chord can be enhanced further by including an added ninth note, known as the second note of its scale and raising it by one octave. This technique can help set off new sections or sections within songs, create contrast between parts within one song or provide your chord progression with a jazzy vibe.