Guitar Lesson 39: Exploring chords and substituting extensions for colourful rhythmic playing

Guitar Lessons with Tune in, Tone up!

Guitar lesson 39 is a study of chord types by working through many of the major and dominant possibilities. By adding each note of a scale to a triad, Dan shows me how to explore chord sounds rather than shapes. We also look at upper extensions and finally look at one way to use chords which are out of key. Dan also raises substitution as a way really build interest rhythmic parts. Thank you for tuning in and for all your comments and support. Main timings: 00:01:26 Introductory questions and how to think about chords 00:05:43 How are chords formed and how do we name them? 00:15:53 Introducing the idea of adding each note in turn from the scale 00:16:38 Adding the 6 (A) = C6 00:20:47 Ear training, singing, melodies and active listening 00:35:09 The next note is the 7 (B) forming a CMaj7 00:39:43 Example of using as substitutions 00:39:56 Introducing the Blues as using dominant 7th instead of major 7th 00:44:55 Second octave 00:45:44 Forming a C9 by stacking the b7 and the 9 00:46:20 Stacking the major7 with a 9 = Cmaj9 00:47:25 Stacking a C9 (1,3,5,7,9) with an 11 = C11 00:48:56 Minor version with the minor 3rd instead of the major 3rd 00:50:49 Adding the 13 (A) = C13 00:55:39 Demonstrating substituting 00:59:23 Covering chords which fall out of the key Detailed timings: 00:01:26 I introduce the lesson by asking for some input about how to think about and use chords 00:03:08 What chords (and scales) go together well and why? 00:05:43 How are chords formed and how do we name them to identify their structure? 00:10:39 Chords are not 'shapes', they are notes played together in quick succession 00:14:02 Using sus chords as passing chords 00:15:53 When considering all the different types of chords possible, then it is a case of adding each note from the scale 00:16:38 Adding the 6 (A) = C6 00:18:03 Attach a memory, meaning, name, sound to each chord to be able to audiate the kind of sound it will make 00:20:47 Identifying intervals by ear, attaching songs to different intervals and the value of singing 00:21:56 Playing and singing harmonies 00:24:26 Sing your licks with an example from Dan, developing your unique sound and playing melodically 00:32:36 You only get that personal stamp on your sound when someone chases the sound in their head 00:33:13 Make sure you practice engaging your ears and listening to the rest of the band when you play and be responsive 00:35:09 The next note is the 7 (B) forming a CMaj7 00:35:44 How the chords are structured with the order of the notes within the chords 00:36:48 Another exercise is to keep the different chords close together on the fretboard 00:37:59 Recap of all the chord types we have got so far and using them as substitutions when playing rhythm 00:39:43 Example of using substitutions 00:39:56 Introducing the Blues as using dominant 7th instead of major 7th - or chords forming from the Mixolydian mode instead of the major scale 00:43:58 Mustang Sally as 7th chord song 00:44:55 So now we move to the second octave 00:45:44 Forming a C9 by stacking the b7 and the 9 00:46:20 Stacking the major7 with a 9 = Cmaj9 00:47:25 Stacking a C9 (1,3,5,7,9) with an 11 = C11 00:48:56 Minor version with the minor 3rd instead of the major 3rd 00:50:15 The need on the guitar to drop some notes - first the 3rd, or 5th 00:50:49 Adding the 13 (A) = C13 00:53:47 The other thing to do when exploring chords is to find inversions 00:55:39 Demonstrating substituting dominant chords - C7, C9, C13, etc.. 00:56:23 Demonstrating substituting major 7th chords with maj9 maj13, etc. 00:56:30 Homework: take other scales and run through the same exercise (perhaps also the modes) 00:59:23 Covering chords which fall out of the key and a quick discussion of George Harrison as a guitarist 01:00:52 Lick from I Feel Fine 01:01:06 Mention of Chet Atkins influence on George Harrison 01:02:19 Return to the topic of quick discussion of chords which fall slightly out of key