Chords can be defined as any series of notes separated by intervals; for instance, the C chord can be played many ways (even repeated) while still sounding like its name implies.
A chord chart shows which strings and frets to strum as well as which fingers should play each string. Additionally, it indicates whether any should be muted (marked with an “X”).
Triads
Triads are among the easiest chords to play on guitar. Consisting of just three notes, triads are an easy and accessible way to expand your chordal vocabulary.
Triads can be divided into four main categories (major, minor, diminished and augmented). Their characteristics depend on the intervals between its root and third or fifth chord; these determine its sound: major triads produce happy, bright sounds while minor ones can have melancholic undertones and diminished ones have darker foreboding ones.
Triad shapes are easy to learn, and can quickly be applied to music that you know. By practicing switching between these shapes, it will help your fingers develop muscle memory that makes these shapes second nature.
Dominant Sevenths
Dominant sevenths add another level of tension to chord sequences and are widespread across music genres. Consisting of the first, third and fifth notes of any scale plus an altered seventh note half-step lower than what would normally be found there (ie a flattened 7th), they can create complex chord progressions with ease.
Dominant sevenths not only make powerful chords, but they can also make it easier to figure out musical keys. That is because they belong to two keys at once (e.g. the major key and its complement; in this instance the minor key, 5th below it).
As with triads, dominant seventh chords can be written using either sharp or flat symbols; however, it has become more frequent to see them written using enharmonic spellings, such as C7#5 or D7#5. Enharmonic notation corresponds more closely with chromatic notation (all sharps or all flats).
Augmented Sevenths
Guitarists commonly reference chord progressions using Roman numerals. But for someone unfamiliar with intervals, hearing guitarists refer to a one-four-five chord progression as G aug7 can be confusing.
The augmented seventh is a triad composed of major third intervals and is an expression of ambitious musical aspiration, taking one step towards entering musical oblivion.
C augmented chord is an uncompromising chord; its sound stands as a declaration of independence from convention and convention itself. Its voice invites listeners into an adventurous journey; challenging one’s heart while inspiring creativity within. C augmented stands like an anchor on the edge of known territory, offering hope and opportunities. It offers up moments of clarity while opening doors of possibilities.
Minor Sevenths
If you listen to popular music regularly, chances are you are familiar with the chord progressions or “chord sequences” used in many songs. These time-tested sequences of chords can be played both on guitar and ukulele for optimal results.
Minor seventh chords can be created by adding the flat 7th note (one full step below its octave) to any minor triad or chord, creating a dissonant sound which often resolves into its tonic chord.
Switching chords can be tricky for beginners, so it is essential that they keep in mind it’s best to move their weaker fingers first so they are ready when it is time to change chords – this will make the process smoother and reduce tension in their fingers.
Bar Chords
Barre chords are basically major and minor triads with shifting root notes that allow for easier playback in keys with minimal open chord fingering shapes, or none at all! By shifting these chords up and down on the fretboard you can play chords that don’t exist as open chord fingering shapes but still sound great!
Example: Take an E shape barre chord, move it down one string on the fretboard, and the result will be a C minor chord with its root on fret 3 of the low E string.
Practice will help you master barre chords as your index finger needs to cover multiple strings at once. Over time, however, your fingers will strengthen and you will discover the right amount of pressure needed for an impressive sounding barre chord.