Triads are among the fundamental chords, consisting of three notes separated by intervals such as thirds (minor and major), as well as perfect fifths.
Extensions add variety to these triads, giving them various tonal colors. You might hear these chords in Jewish songs. A major triad has an upbeat, happy sound while minor chords have more melancholic undertones.
Em Chord
The Em chord is a minor guitar chord used to convey sadness or melancholy, often utilized in Jewish music to add an emotive layer. Additionally, this chord can add depth and dimension to other genres of music as well. Practice playing these Jewish-influenced chords regularly so as to become a better guitarist.
Beginner guitarists should begin learning this chord as one of their first chords to master. Only two fingers are needed to strum all six strings for a full sound. Precision is key when playing this chord; avoid touching too closely to the fret wire to prevent buzzing!
If you want to advance in your understanding of the Em chord, try doubling it at different octaves. For instance, both Em/G and Em/B inversions of E minor can change the order of bass notes in the chord.
Am Chord
The Am chord (A minor chord) is another versatile Jewish music chord that can create a melancholic atmosphere in Jewish folk songs and is commonly played both on piano and guitar.
Practice both Am and Em chords regularly if you plan on performing Jewish music, to strengthen both finger muscles and become adept at striking the strings without using a pick. Once these chords have become second nature to you, be sure to also work on honing your strumming patterns.
Henry Mancini’s “Moon River” features the Am chord to add melancholic undertones to its narrative power and enhance its overall mood. Additionally, this chord can also be found across musical genres: from Cream’s “White Room” to Tesla’s power ballad “Love Song.”
Down-Up-Down-Up Strumming Pattern
Mastering how to strum properly is essential when playing guitar, as it sets the rhythm and adds texture and feel. For novice guitarists starting out, an all-down stroke pattern featuring eighth notes would be appropriate, with palm mutes (placing fleshy parts of your hand on strings at their point of breaking over the saddle) for additional emphasis.
Practice playing your bass guitar using a metronome or jam track in order to develop your sense of tempo and timing. Remember to count as you play and ensure all eight notes are evenly spaced across the scale.
Once you have this down, move onto a pattern in which instead of playing downstrums on beats one, two, and three of each bar you add an upstrum on each of the ‘ands.’ Although this may feel strange at first, with practice it becomes easier; eventually adding an accented upstrum (played louder than downstrokes) for added variation.
Fingerpicking Pattern
Fingerpicking patterns are an effective and timeless way to develop dexterity. They can be utilized in all sorts of songs from simple ones to more intricate arrangements.
Practice this pattern often to enhance your precision and ensure your fingers hit each string at precisely the correct moment for a clear sound and balanced rhythm.
Jewish musicians such as Baruch Levine and Benny Friedman frequently employ Carlebach chords in their music. Shlomo Carlebach was a religious teacher and rabbi who popularized these chords through his unique blend of traditional melodies with contemporary folk and rock sounds that profoundly altered Jewish musical history.
Occasional use in Jewish music, these guitar chords are now widespread. Not only can they add an iconic and emotional sound to your tunes, but they can also help connect to audiences in an emotional manner.