How To Create Unique Guitar Sounds Using Harmony And Theory – Part 2
Welcome to the fascinating world of guitar chords and harmony! While this second report is not meant to replace any of the fine guitar tab and guitar tablature harmony / theory books available that elaborate in greater detail, I think you will find it contains more information that you can quickly and easily use to enhance and expand your own guitar playing regardless of what style of music you play. So let’s get right into it!
Often you will see the symbols +5, b5, +9 or b9 following the chord name. When you see a C 7th+5 you would now sharp the 5th degree or G and use a G# in the chord instead. The C7th+5 chord would consist of the 1st, 3rd, #5th and b7th degrees of the major scale or C, E, G# and Bb. The same principle would apply to the following examples: C 7th b5 chord – consists of the 1st, 3rd, b5th and b7th degrees of the major scale or C, E, Gb and Bb C 7th +9 chord – consists of the 1st, 3rd, 5th, b7th and #9th degrees of the major scale or C, E, G, Bb & D# C 7th b9 chord – consists of the 1st, 3rd, 5th, b7th and b9th degrees of the major scale or C, E, G, Bb & Db.
A C Dim 7th chord would consist of the 1st, b3rd, b5th and bb7th degrees of the major scale or C, Eb, Gb, and Bbb (A). Notice that this chord is unique in that it repeats itself every 3 frets up or down the guitar neck.
A C Minor (maj 7th) chord would consist of the 1st, b3rd, 5th and 7th degrees of the major scale or C, Eb, G and B. This chord is often used to connect a C minor to a C minor 7th. The chord passage is typically played C minor–>C minor (maj 7th)–>C minor 7th–>C minor 6th.
A C Aug (add 9) chord would consists of the 1st, 3rd, #5th and 9th degrees of the major scale or C, E, G# and D. Notice that this chord is unique in that it repeats itself every 5 frets up or down the guitar neck.
As well as “embellishing” or “extending” chords you can also “substitute” certain chords for other chords. This can really start to enhance your playing because it affords you the ability to create more harmonic movement.
When you see a C major chord you could substitute a minor chord based on the 3rd degree (E) or 6th degree (A) of the major scale. So, instead of just playing a C major 7th you could now substitute an E minor 7th or an A minor 7th instead.
When you see a C7th chord you could substitute a minor chord based on the 5th degree (G) of the major scale. So instead of just playing a C7th, you could now substitute a G minor 7th instead.
When you see a C minor chord, you could substitute a major chord based on the b3rd (Eb) of the major scale. So, instead of playing a C minor 7th, you could now substitute an Eb major 7th.
Hopefully, this 2nd report has helped clarify in greater detail some of the confusion and mystery surrounding guitar chords and harmony in general!
Peabody Conservatory trained guitarist Steven Herron helps people become better guitar players. His company ChordMelody.com features an enormous selection of guitar tabs for all styles as well as instructional DVD courses. Find out more and claim Steven’s popular free monthly guitar lesson e-course available at: =>
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