Once you are comfortable moving between simple chords and strumming them along, we will add an exciting riff into those strumming patterns.
This song employs the same chord progression as Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, but adds an instrumental riff between chords for use when soloing.
Open Chords
Open chords utilize unfretted guitar strings, producing brighter and longer lasting notes than barre chords, which contain only fretted notes.
Some chords can be enhanced with an additional note or two known as an extension to add tension and interest – commonly added to major chords but can also be used on minor ones.
Chords vary depending on their key and mode of playing; one major triad may have one name in C major, another in E minor and yet another when used in A major.
When playing open chords it is essential to remember that dampening or muted the other strings with your hand to prevent them from sounding too loudly. You can do this by rolling your fingers under the fretboard or gently pressing with your palm.
Scales
Scales are an essential first step on your musical theory journey (to learn more, refer to Half and Whole Steps and Accidentals). Scales consist of organized notes that can be played together to produce different sounds.
Change the order of scale’s notes to alter sound and mood, for instance re, mib, fa, sol, la and tib are known as bark scale, which produces an unforgettable and haunting melody.
Music requires the composition or writing of discrete parts that can be combined, connected and refined – this is where scales come in handy. By playing around with Zombie’s chord progression above, you can discover various scales and their notes by exploring its strumming pattern; its strong up and down movement provides an easy way to develop dynamic playing techniques while helping develop your playing.
Power Chords
Power chords only contain two notes, yet they’re extremely versatile! Their two note combination can be altered and used to craft some fantastic guitar riffs – for instance, using root-5th power chords to modify various root-5th power chords makes for some exciting guitar solos under high gain distortion (AC/DC often did this and it sounds fantastic!) For instance, blocking out thirds (marked with an “X”) creates more vibrant and “big” sounds under high gain distortion – as evidenced in many of their songs that AC/DC songs!
Add intervals to these chords for added musical flavors. Emo bands often utilize major sevenths and ninths over these power chords as it adds an emotional crunch that sets their music apart from the competition.
Power chords can also be played at lower fretboard positions and with thinner strings to add bass to your songs, giving them more bassiness and giving hard rock and metal tunes a dark, menacing atmosphere. Palm muting and carefully controlled strumming techniques can further add this depth.
Riffs
Sometimes playing guitar may feel impossible or frustrating, yet remember even the greatest guitarists began where you do now; by persevering you will see progress made over time.
Riffs are essential when creating songs. Being able to compose your own riffs can open up a whole world of musical possibilities for your music. Begin by practicing scales and chords so that you have a solid base from which you can build upon, once familiar with these basics try combining various combinations together to find your unique sound.
Neil Young’s song Heart of Gold provides an excellent example. This powerful chord progression combines Em, Cmaj7 and G power chords with an accessible strumming pattern for beginners to enjoy. Additionally, its intricate barring riff makes an effective challenge as it requires barring with multiple strings simultaneously with your first finger.