Unusual Open Strings Chords
One of the advantage of string instruments over other types of musical instruments is that we have a set of fixed pitches (the open strings) we can exploit to open some interesting harmonic possibilities. The idea here is very simple yet effective: we leave the first two strings open while we play some chord shapes on the other strings. As we move the chord shape up and down the neck, the open strings will add some interesting alteration to the chords.
Chord Shapes
Let’s dive into it: take your guitar and play through the following chords. Don’t be frightened by the complicate names of these chords: they are really simple to play and to use (see below), and you don’t really need to know the names to make some music with them.
In the first tablature we are using a simple major chord shapes on strings 3,4,5, and 6:
On the next tablature we use a power chord shape on strings 3,4, and 5.
Finally, we use an incomplete minor chord shape on strings 3 and 4:
So, just by using few simple shapes we already have a sizable library of interesting chords! You can try by yourself with other shapes (a good starting point is to take any chord shape you know and moving it around without caring for the open strings). Follow your ears to find what shapes are good.
Examples of use
As interesting as these chords are, they do not really wow you if played by themselves. To really unleash their power, you need to play them in a progression. Here show you some examples of simple chord progressions, and how they sound when spiced up with the chords that we have just seen.
In the following I will just indicate the chords and their realization on the fretboard, but I leave to you the actual way of playing them. You can strum them, arpeggiate them, or any mix of the two.
Let’s see how to play a chord progression such as Am, F, G, C.
This progression is a bit more sophisticate: C#m, A, B, F#m (the last chord shape is slightly different to the shape listed above):
And in the same vein we can do a C#m, B, F#.
As a final example, let’s see how a simple G, D, C gets completely transformed by this technique:
Ok, I think I get you started in how to use creatively the first two open strings when playing chords. What you need to do right now is to experiment, experiment, experiment. And, above everything else, have fun!
You want to have even more fun with your guitar by playing exotic chords and original chord progressions? Then you need to learn more about chords and harmony on guitar and how to use them to create the music YOU like! Click below to find out how:
