Joining The Rhythm Section
Difficulty HHHHH 10 -15 mins per example
THIS issue we’re looking at how it’s possible to play an effective chord progression using three note chords. We can learn a lot here from jazz guitarists who will trim their chord voicings down in such a way that they don’t interfere with the other instruments in the band. This is particularly effective if you’re playing with a keyboard player or horn section, for instance The guitar is obviously a harmony instrument, but we have a comparatively limited musical range when compared to a piano, so playing economically is a good way of staying out of everyone’s way, but still keeping up an effective role.
The key here is to utilise the 6th, 4th and 3rd strings – with the occasional exception – while muting the 5th string. This might take a little practice, but it’s a technique that is well worth exploring – you’ll be surprised at how much ground we can cover using just three notes at a time. Don’t be put off by the jazz nature of the chord types, it’s more important to note their effect – and you will hear this type of chord work in a lot of jazz-influenced blues players like Robben Ford and Larry Carlton, both old hands at this kind of thing!