“JUST FOR GUITAR” CHORDS

The following chords are very commonly used and will add a pleasing touch to your playing.

For the first 3 shapes, play the top 2 strings (B and E) open. They can be used as a constant (like a drone) while you shift among different chords.

The next chords use a similar approach with the top 2 strings playing a constant D and G on the 3 fret.

These chords are only suitable in certain keys. If you would like to use them in a less convenient key, you may use a capo.

You may try to incorporate these chord shapes at other fret positions than the ones I have suggested. In context, they may sound appropriate. This is because the “drone” effect (also called an ostinato) gathers a musical momentum of its own not related to the underlying harmony.

Sounds best on
2nd fret=Bsus or Bm11
3rd fret=Cmaj7
4th fret=C#m7
5th fret=D6add9
7th fret=E no3rd (Major or minor)
9th fret=F#m11
10th fret=G6
11th fret=G#m or Emaj7/G#
12th fret or open=Aadd9 (no 3rd)

For Major - Sounds best on
3rd fret=G
5th fret=A
7th fret=B
8th fret=C
10th fret=D
12th fret (or open)=E
OK but more dissonant on
1st fret=F
2nd fret=F#

 

For Minor - Sounds best on
2nd fret=F#m/
4th fret=G#m or E/G#
5th fret=Am
7th fret=Bm
9th fret=C#m
12th fret (or open)=Em