How To Find The "Right" Chords On Guitar

[@wheresallthezombies]

Recently joined a soul pop band. It has two keyboardist, bass, another guitar, vocalist, two back up singers, and they’re talking about adding a horn section. I’ve found single notes and two to three note chords are the only ones that don’t muddy up the mix.

[@angustate1829]

No band needs two keyboardists lol

[@wheresallthezombies]

@@angustate1829 it's not uncommon in that style of music.

[@angustate1829]

@@wheresallthezombies I know I was just joking around.

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

Two guitars by themselves are tough. That sounds like a circus 😂 My first band had 2 guitars, a bass, drums, and occasionally keyboard (Grateful Dead/Phish style jam band)

[@ragnadrabinowitz7629]

​@@angustate1829tell that to the band, procol harum, etc

[@ゆずぺら]

Here is how I approached chords: 1. Learn CAGED (Both Major and Minor) 2. Learn movable sus2 and sus4 on 6th, 5th and 4th string 3. Learn movable add9 chords on 6th, 5th and 4th string 4. Learn diminished chords on 6th, 5th and 4th string 5. Learn 7th chords on 6th, 5th and 4th string (Major, Minor, Dominant, m7b5, diminished, minor-major 7th) 6. Learn shell chords of 7th chords on 6th & 5th string (Just for Major, Minor, Dominant only) a) learn to locate 9th, 13th and 11th intervals at lower string frets to build fancy jazz chords (ex. Dominant 9th, M13b9, etc.) Extra Steps you might want to take: 7. Learn 6th chords (Major & Minor) on 6th, 5th and 4th string 8. Learn drop 2 voicings for 7th chords on 5th fret (for Major, Minor and Dominant) 9. Learn drop 3 voicings for 7th chords on 6th fret (for Major, Minor and Dominant) Even if you learn up to step 6, you know about 90% of the chords used in modern popular music. And it only took me about 3-4 months to get up to step 6... I am sure ya'll can learn them much faster than I do

[@aydenmarrocco2716]

Big thanks to you Dude!

[@ameydbarry]

👍🏾

[@circlemover]

Was that from a standing start? pretty impressive if you where a total newbie. The first six months is all about pain! and building muscle memory and protective hard skin on finger tips!!

[@85isaboat53]

​@circlemover exactly I only learned what a scale was after 3 months I'm at 3 years playing and know none of this fancy stuff but I'll start to learn

[@erikrummel6277]

Loved the vibe of this video. Seemed more like your friend showing you a bit of his “style” after you asked “Hey I like what you were doin there, where did that come from?” And less like a tutorial.

[@adamwald7042]

As a hobbiest who messes around in my free time writing songs on guitar, these types of videos are super helpful for me as I have little understanding of music theory and do most of my writing by ear. Definitely appreciate your insight and mini lessons you throw out there, thanks a bunch!

[@caydespliff181]

same boat as you, couldn’t agree more. cheers rhett!

[@jjc75019]

And then the next video should add to not only play different colors, but using different rhythmic patterns. Page was a master at that, so is Pa Metheny.

[@krietor]

Hey, I'm a pro, & I'm way hobbier than you, but I'll never try to say I'm the hobbiest. Hobbyist, Pro, Jim, or Joe, don't be bragging everywhere you go. . . It won't get you anywhere, you know?

[@mikesalmo]

I’m 43 and 3 years into slowly teaching myself guitar. I played drums and bass up into my 20s and regretted not picking up guitar or really understanding theory. My bass playing was more like timpani. I love most of your videos, you’re a refreshing presence in the guitar community. But these “playing” ones create so many aha moments for me. And it finally suckered me in to buying the CAGED course 😂. I’m still a “bedroom” (home office) player and mostly noodle, but I’m totally going to start a rock band when I grow up.

[@tonyvanover2253]

You Just gave away in an easy to understand 10 min video some of the best kept secrets to guitar playing that took myself and probablymany others years to figure out

[@SixStringTales]

Not going to lie, I listened to the first 30 seconds before zoning out and just staring longingly at the Novo. Such a beautiful guitar!

[@waltzguy14151]

Bro simplest open G chord, is just middle finger on the low E string, which also mutes the A, which also mutes the hi E . You end up with G, D, G, B. Potent, very power-chord sounding yet it's still major. Play that through distortion YUMMY!! One finger 'n that's it OHHHHHHH yEAHHHH :)

[@kiwi7909]

I am playing guitar for 5 years and my mind is blown by these simple ideas! Thanks :)

[@MarcOlivermusic]

I only agree to this in a band context, propably rock. For acoustic music there is nothing wrong with bass notes or the major third in a Gmajor. It brings the warmth and emotion. I play guitar 40 years and composed some hundred songs and I know what I'm talking about. Good day.

[@ronhutcherson9845]

I sing along with my acoustic- that’s just two voices and I still end up removing guitar bits so it doesn’t compete. I’ve pulled whole chords from my current piece. I don’t need to play the same notes I’m singing. I think on my next piece I’m going to follow Rhett’s advice and thin out some more chords.

[@ACCPhil]

An early part of classical music theory is doing four part harmonisations (often in the style of Bach). And one of the key things is: don't double the third (except when you do). So yes, in your first example there are two Bs in the G chord - the one on the A string and the open B. That will muddy the sound up. Octaves & fifths are perfect intervals. Also you Csus2/sus4, the 2nd & 4th are a long way from the third so not dissonant. Makes total sense.

[@msspi764]

That’s helpful. I play in a Cajun band that doesn’t have a bassist but has two guitars. Melody is fiddle and sometimes Cajun accordion. My role is to cover tempo on a low root while offering something beyond the cowboy chords the other guitar covers. This gives me some ideas to explore, ways to offer something more to the mix while staying true to my role in the band.

[@Nehemiah.The.Shepherd]

I’ve been teaching how to play G like you did in the intro for years now, happy to see I’m not the only one.

[@jeffro.]

Wait a minute! At 2:20 i take issue with what you said. It's not because it's a 3rd that it "muddies" the sound! It's because it's a lower octave! A 3rd doesn't muddy the sound, that's the "emotive" tone. Similarly, at 3:30 I agree that you don't need the tone played with your pinky in that C shape. But it's not because of the reasons you're stating, it's because you don't need to play bass notes on lead guitar. You're stepping all over the bass player and other instruments. That's why lead guitarists play diads & Triads using the thinner strings. Sometimes you want to play a lower tone, but often not. Usually your choice of what string to play is based on the timbre you want. But the lower strings of chords are not played.

[@Soldano999]

You litterally just blew my mind. This was so helpful and so well detailed. No one talks about this. I've been trying for years to crack the code on how to "break" chord shapes, i do it sometimes but i don't really know what i'm doing. And you just explained it in 5 minutes.

[@Roscoe.Maples.2-9-73]

thanks for another educational gem, Rhett. Love your teaching style. Thank you!

[@carverpartin6604]

Been in Nashville about 4 years now. This video explained in a few minutes something it took a few years for me to start figuring out on my own

[@ProcacciniWorshipGuitar]

Love this type of video from your channel! It's great that you shed a little light on some great techniques, while still plugging your courses to learn more. Keep it up!

[@wobbiewall4821]

Thank you. I have often watched your videos and tried to figure out why your index finger was waiving around while you were playing a G chord. Now I know. I'll sleep better tonight!

[@U2WB]

I remember growing up listening to Tony Mottola, my dad’s favorite guitarist. Now there was a player who had an uncanny ear for beautiful chords. One listen to his rendition of Stardust speaks volumes. I wish I had 1/100 of his talent for chord voicings.

[@smeyerjr22ny]

This Changed everything for my approach to chords. thanks

[@MashaT22]

Very good points! With the open G, I learned to mute the A from Justin Sandercoe of Justin Guitar several years ago. It was the best advice I got as a beginner. It’s both easier to play and sounds better. The only time I play the A string is if I want to quickly turn it into a Sus chord as a quick embellishment. But by and large, I muted the string. I actually have trouble with Barre chords because of my disabilities. I often replace them with power chords or use less fingers. I guess I was finding a natural solution that was helping me make guitar more accessible- but it often really does sound better anyway. I really should pay more attention to alternate fingering options!

[@BeesWaxMinder]

Love to buy your CAGED course BUT it insists on me adding my home details and paying for overseas shipping🤷‍♂️

[@jimmyd12001]

Well I've only been playing guitar for 60 years and I've learned some new things today. 🤘

[@billymcguiremusic]

Honestly, this approach has been how I've been looking at guitar for years. I break things down, using bit and pieces of the common cowboy and barre chords (especially working up different voicings in CAGED shapes). Working in a duo with another guitarist is my way of working on live improve, from soloing and working out better rhythm accompany with another chordal instrument.

[@user-gb6jl8fn5i]

Great topic! I love the "Malcolm Young G5 power chord"... the 3rd on the 5th string does muddy the sound. Never thought of it that way. I am working on fast bluesy progression where I slide into the 1 & 6 string G's from the F, play the low G on the 6th string, the low B flat (flat 3rd) on the 6 string, and then play my chord as this G5. The notes on the 6 string thus walk up to my chord and the flat 3rd from the minor pentatonic/blues scale gives me the quality (minor) in the movement to the chord.

[@kozadofficial9662]

Is the drumbeat super dead drums by Jake reed? :) around 1:15

[@VPicksGuitarPicks]

That is a very nice sounding guitar!. About chords. I like Robben's approach in not playing the tonic because the bass player is taking care of that. Makes the rhythm guitar sit nicely in the mix.

[@pirahc]

This fits so well for the role I've taken on in a group, great video!

[@stacyrakatairi-herewini5306]

I enjoyed this video I understand now, and yes, I like to learn things myself, but I now have an explanation for myself so I can keep on learning the things you have just taught me

[@scottstevens5481]

I love this tutorial... I’ve been playing the same chord shapes for years... I've heard about inversions... but you really made a solid case for simplified inversions... also the 10th and 6th shapes... they just SOUND incredible! The way you presented this makes it click in for me. Thanks you for your step by step guidence through these ideas. Well done friend!

[@eichaan]

Good stuff Rhett! When I play with my old guy band (which has like 4 guitar players) I do these kind of revoicings of chords to avoid mush and (paradoxically?) to stand out more.

[@JJOhns-fy4tl]

Thank you, this has given me a lot of new perspectives.

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

When I test a guitar for the first time? Always unplugged. An open G strummed pretty hard but only with the low G and either the high D or high G usually not both. IMHO you can tell volumes about a guitar from that. Great video.

[@dbutler721]

Forgot the link to the inverted chord video, at least I didn’t see it when you pointed to the corner of the screen. I’ve seen it, it’s great and I saved it, but thought you should know. Your content is still great as always and much appreciated.

[@snapfinger1]

Your point’s well made although Brian Jones & Lennon preferred full 6 string barre chords.

[@JDStone20]

This is exactly the type of thing for chords I was looking for because I have a severed tendon on the index finger of my fretting hand, so making some chords is difficult, but triads and power chords are playable.

[@thebitterbeginning]

If someone is already playing the basic chords, your approach to playing variations and alternate voicings is also a great approach to playing lead phrases over those chords...as scales tie exactly to those chords. It would be cool to see a "part II" video for this where you do just that.

[@TheToneWork]

That guitar sounds beautiful! LOVE the tone!

[@PiranTata]

Really like this sort of lesson/content on expanding and exploring different chord options. Best guitar tutorial video I have watched all month 🙌 Going to spend my weekend practicing this.

[@markgreene3842]

This opened my eyes to some other chord voicing options that I wasn’t fully aware of. Now, I have to learn more about where the notes are on the neck so I can figure out how to play a suspended or augmented or a 10th chord.

[@DerekBolli]

Every time I watch one of Rhett's videos, it makes me wish that David Gilmour had a youtube channel in the 70s 🥰 Great work, Rhett 👍🎵🎶🎸

[@TREVORJB101]

I am definitely investing in your guitar courses as soon as I get paid. I thoroughly enjoy your videos and guitar playing. Thank you, sir.

[@randyherbrechtsmeier4796]

Outstanding Youngster. Alot offerings

[@EggTamago7]

This did a nice job of reinforcing and adding some depth to ideas I've kind of just been stumbling into. My experience with trying to come up with chords/progressions is very... freeform. Usually "start with power chord, start adding/removing shit, moving it around, finding it elsewhere, and hope it eventually sounds the way I want it to". Those giant barre chords, let me tell you, are complete perfection if you want to write anything with a black metal tinge to it.

[@joeygentile7829]

Great video Rhett, and I'm listening to that chord progression, and the light bulb goes off: Brett Young's "Dance With You."

[@mateusbez2669]

I play in a power trio, and I do play full chords many times, but not always. You can play inversions and other stuff by barely altering your left hand, jut muting some strings. And of course, use your entire fretboard when needed. There are LOTS of E majors in a guitar. You can use them All

[@HandlebarWorkshops]

Dammit, I paid for 6 strings, I'm gonna play all 6.

[@niknotnikki]

😄

[@Burnt_Gerbil]

*Laughs in 8-string*

[@johnquevillon8753]

Thank you Rhett!

[@Jonathandavidk]

After 20 years of playing guitar I, thankfully, already know all of these things but this is a great resource. There are so many little things to have in your bag of tricks as a guitarist and all of these ones are foundational. I'll be sharing this with friends who are working to get to the next level. Thanks!

[@charlie-obrien]

These are very helpful suggestions and a great demo. For the past year I have been experimenting with using all different chords (open, barre, triads) and various positions up and down the neck to get more, what I call flavor, in my playing. I don't have a theory background, so you can imagine that there is a lot of terrible sounding efforts, but every now and then I come up with a beauty of a progression. I was a little surprised to watch and find that I was doing a lot of what you suggested, just because it sounded good to my ear and was interesting to try. I'm glad you promote the CAGED system, because that was my actual jumping off point, to go from beginner and onto better playing overall, years ago. Subbed with appreciation for your well developed channel.

[@paulmilitello6395]

Thanks Rhett. This lesson really helped me see chords in a different way. It opened up a lot of doors for me to explore and challenge myself to get out of that same old 6 string barre chords I have been playing for 30 years. I signed up for the caged course. Looking forward to it.

[@samuelw3295]

Very well taught and conveyed. Got a few nuggets out of this one.

[@acidbran]

Thanks man, good paced explanations.

[@davidesquivel5194]

Great video, dude! Thanks a lot!

[@JeffPryblick]

Love the way u present ideas on the guitar Really ready to understand the fretboard better and your videos are so on track Thanks

[@albertarguelles3262]

Rhett Very nice and simple Thanks

[@MrRossharrell]

Bringing it all together in one clear and simple video, Rhett! I have a student who is trying to play electric guitar stepping up from strumming cowboy chords on acoustic- I couldn't have taught a better lesson than this.

[@jayyoungmusic919]

Rhett please do a guitar collection video. I’ve seen you play some cool things and I need to know what you still have. What’s yours and what is on an extended holiday from a company that you we’re supposed to send back, but they never asked about it???

[@davroshalfbeard8368]

Yeh sometimes throw in the higher strings on an upstroke of a bar chords .starting to get a feel for rhythm with left hand mute and the right hand keeping a steady beat took months 😂 but was worth it .cheers look forward to next dipped in tone

[@jnparesa]

Well done sir!

[@danielgallardo7249]

Great video! This is a Worship guitar tutorial. I needed this to help add some variety to my chore voicings.

[@californiaxfresh]

First of all great video. Secondly, the colors on this video are outstanding. Don’t know if it’s color graded but ❤

[@drewciferf5832]

So, is the point that you should go with chord variations that are exclusively “brighter” to stand out in the mix of other instruments?

[@dalecooper5841]

Completly clear ... and touching the exact point where I am

[@mworkman5958]

Nice picking!

[@maeyer]

Great video, so helpful.

[@sambleach]

Your best video so far, mate, great content!

[@randybryant1141]

What a great video! I just purchased your caged course about a week ago and this is a great accompaniment video! It helped me to experience many aha moments !

[@sethtouchet511]

Super helpful. Thanks!

[@Giuseppe_1994]

Find the bass note and jive. Always got me by.

[@BrewerShettles]

Great Video!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@larryh.5229]

Thanks, you made things clearer 👍👍

[@billavonda1604]

Thanks Rhett, really enjoyed this. Picked up some cool voicings that I'm definitely going to use!

[@bradmcnutt9533]

Awesome video! Fantastic info and very “usable.” Also, love the guitar. Beautiful piece.

[@svert11]

Thanks so much for this.

[@dalecoffing8655]

I have found over the years "less is more". Leaving space for the other instruments and singers makes for a better product.

[@timsrednavnaj]

Thank you Rhett. I never ever played an E-shaped bar-chord for the last 30 years or so. I did so because they do not sound. I also never saw great players (Hendrix, Vaughan, Van Halen, Setzer, more.....) use this chord

[@samj.6867]

Great suggestions to be able to add to a blend without sounding redundant or muddy. So many chord variations for me to learn!

[@vaughnmaurt5013]

Great stuff ! Thx Rhett

[@torizaemon]

You're good : ) I actually understood that. Normally i'd be lost halfway through.

[@x7stringinJSCx]

Great video as always. I always enjoy videos like these.

[@fiestapais]

That was really helpful. Thanks for the video.

[@niklet805]

Good lesson Rhett, thanks.

[@brucesstreet8204]

Good one Rhett🎉

[@User15275-g]

Please please please keep doing videos like this

[@thesandman775]

Over years of playing live, I picked up a lot of these stylistic alternatives. Thanks for the informative video! I can finally put a bit of theory behind what I've figured out

[@ArnyMAN]

Thank you Rhett for sharing your experience. With this wisdom, I will be a better guitar player/musician.

[@JoshCroft-od3me]

Here is how I approach chords and everything musically: LISTEN, and ADJUST as necessary until it sounds good. If you care enough, you will figure out what is most genuine and pleasing to play. In other words, don't fall for any gimmicks. It just takes patience, listening intently, and caring about beauty to play well. A lot of trial and error. And that whole process is FUN, don't rush it, enjoy it. And it never ends no matter how good you get.

[@tomostinato2918]

Cool. Just what I needed.

[@AnniottOfficial]

I hope one day I have this information on tap. Seems like a long way off but we just have to keep playing!

[@SecurityBagels]

Not sure if this is a new style or something but I really like your style of instruction. Keep it up, Rhett!

[@AllThingsMech]

It's crazy how we naturally gravitate toward playing in certain ways. I've been playing guitar for 28 years, but I'm entirely self taught and just noodle around most of the time. Before watching your channel I didn't really know squat about music theory (and let's face it, I still don't...Dave Grohl said its ok, lol) but I figured out the simplification technique on my own before I even knew it was a thing, and that's exactly how I play. Example, I play "I will follow you into the dark" by DCFC in a completely different way compared to how Ben Gibbard plays it live, but it still sounds pretty close. On electric, same thing. My G chord is identical to yours. It's fascinating, the little nuggets we pick up over the years. Might need to check out that course of yours, though...My 16 year old son also started when he was 12, and is far and away a better guitarist than I am at this point. 😂 Edit: Only $29 for the full CAGED course?? That's a no-brainer for me. Purchased, can't wait to take a look!

[@Merglet]

Alex Lifeson isn't exactly a music theory guru, but I'm sure there are plenty of gurus who dive into his stuff. Sometimes hand/ear knowledge is better than brain knowledge ;)

[@richardderuiter4612]

Loved this. As one coming to from electric from playing rhythm acoustic, learning those "partial chords" was a huge learning curve. I use the acoustic to lead singing in my church (often by myself), and helps to have all six strings sound to give a more full bodied sound to sing over. But playing electric in a band, etc., is a very different thing. BTW, on that Csus you played, if you leave the high E open, isn't it a Cadd4, or a C11? For a pure Csus, I always roll my 1st finger over the 1st fret of the high E string too. Muting the high I would also work, of course.

[@Telorchid]

Yes, it’s a Cadd4 with the open E. C11 would require a Bb in addition to the F.

[@blessedwithchallenges9917]

Fun - you have me somethings to work on... thanks!😅

[@johncohen2643]

Rhet, Can you do a video about "Fender Vs Gibson under a graphic equalizer" so we can see the sonic differences with the same take of a solo to see what's going on tonewise and those technical differences. I mean, what frequencies are peaking more in one guitar in comparison with the other.

[@adamloake]

Really awesome video, this kind of thing is so helpful! Will be working on some of these ideas to take to the local jam sessions, cheers Rhett!

[@sordavie]

I love that pink sparkle guitar! Also the tips! :)

[@anthonymigliaccio5747]

Awesome vid. Good work