How to Play Ambient Guitar #2 - Voicing Chords for Ambient Swells

Learn how to create clear beautiful chords for ambient guitar swells .
Part 2 of the series: How to Play Ambient Guitar:
• How to Play Ambient Gu...
Chords of Orion Amazon Affiliate Link: amzn.to/2eKzHwf
Equipment/software used:
Carvin Holdsworth Fatboy HF2 Guitar
Avid Eleven Rack amzn.to/2piZtKD
Wampler Ego Compressor amzn.to/2nvDK5z
Morley Little Alligator volume pedal amzn.to/2nYHysh
Strymon DIG Dual Digitial Delay
Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 amzn.to/2nYrSW8
Apple Logic Pro X
Chords of Orion song referenced in the video (She Seemed a Thing That Could Not Feel):
chordsoforion....
chords of orion - ambient/post-rock guitar music for the mind and heart.
bill vencil - guitars, vocals, other instruments and sounds.
web: chordsoforion.com
facebook: / chordsoforion
twitter: / chordsoforion
soundcloud: / chordsoforion

[@alexandruanton8824]

Why do people like you, who share their wisdom for us, teaching everything in detail, never get to be more recognized ? I mean..not even 100k subs ? Man, I'd watch you play ambient guitar all day while talking about whatever.

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks so much for the kind words! I am very thankful for this channel. It is much larger than I ever thought it would be. And...thanks to you for being part of it!!

[@richdecibels]

7 years later.. he's finally getting the recognition he deserves! 176K subs : )

[@DJSlimzilla]

I know I'm years late here but you sir are a gift. Thank you for the years of fantastic content.

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Such a nice teaching method, does not assume we are virtuoso's on the guitar. Meaning anyone, at any level can access and utilise these lessons. So very often not the case here on KZbin. Very well done sir and thank you.

[@chordsoforion]

And thanks very much for letting me know you liked the vid!

[@coronelsakura2841]

Not everyone is a beginner.

[@darrenclark6552]

@@coronelsakura2841 And not everyone is an expert ;-)

[@larsvankoningsveld6179]

Thanks ser Davos!

[@mbeddard]

New channel name: Chords of Onion Knight

[@chordsoforion]

:-)

[@jeanmanspeer]

Jajajajajaja

[@xeno126]

LOL

[@coltslvstr7582]

HOLY SHIT HAHHAHAHA 😂😂

[@ruok-l5t]

This guitar is ambient, his voice is ambient, heck, even his face is ambient

[@A1egz]

Ruok “His face is ambient” I’m crying 😂😂😂

[@Anonymous.android]

🤣🤣 Such an ambient face

[@axialomega4581]

I watched this before I went to bed and fell asleep to this unintentionally. This is so peaceful. Your voice your guitar everything is sooo.. calming..

[@nickpenacl_]

I'm 38 and playing guitar since 12, never stop learning ... steal some good ideas from this video. Thanks dude

[@JonSnowIII]

That chord progression really pulls the heart strings.

[@normancash-alivelycadaver7479]

One of the very best tutorials of any discipline on youtube. Well thought out, logical flow, without ego. 10 points and a gold star!

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks very much Mr. Cash!!

[@ivanlabanowski6444]

i like the fact you explain everything you do, and why. thx for teaching!

[@chordsoforion]

+ivan labanowski And thanks so much for watching and commenting. Really appreciate it!!!!

[@jst4curiosity704]

Good stuff! Please also include the use of Triads for ambient swells, where your intent is to fill upper frequencies and leave the bass notes to keyboard & bass..

[@2gobeond]

I am a teacher and I agree with Ivan. Bill you are a very good teacher, clear, structured and accessible. Keep up the good work.

[@stevenstasiukiewicz8222]

I could not pull myself away. I loved it. Another classic. Thank you. 🎉

[@Psqwall]

This guys voice is ambient he's like the Bob Ross of ambient guitar

[@chordsoforion]

:-)

[@SoundAuthor]

Happy little chords :)

[@echobones3972]

thought the same thing many times. very thankful to have found this channel.

[@Ye_Old_Gregg]

now let's put an ambient chord over here like this, isn't that nice? now don't tell anyone we put that chord over there ... its our little secret.

[@FreshSqueezedLightning]

Psqwall I was just scrolling to the comments to say just that but apparently I wasn't the only one lol

[@mikeskriloff]

Just a little distinction for any music theory nerds out there -- a C9 would actually be C7 with a 9 on top (C E G Bb D), the chord he mentioned would be named Cadd9 Great video, inversions are the greatest way to create melodies throughout your harmony

[@M_bags6463]

This is a great series. Thank you for making this! One thing: technically, 9 chords are made of the root, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th. A triad w/ the 9th is an add9 chord. Usually guitarists don't play complete 9 chords, but they will imply them by leaving the 5th out.

[@TheBeatle49]

Or leaving the root out.

[@haydeneverette7422]

Sold both of my electric guitars recently because I’ve always used my acoustic more. Your videos make me wanna pick back up on playing the electric! Absolutely love your style man

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks very much! And don't be afraid to try your hand at ambient acoustic!!

[@pomeranianserenader9238]

Real ambience sounds incredible. Thankyou for this

[@bruneieiei]

Chords of Orion of the house Seaworth: Awesome video man, thanks!

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks!! Someday, I am going to do a video in a GOT costume!! :-)

[@joshuakim3050]

THIS SOUNDS SO PRETTY. THANK YOU!!! I play in a small church where ambient sounds/chords are vital and this made it sound so much better! THANK YOU!

[@chordsoforion]

+Joshua Kim I am so glad you got some value out the video. Thanks so much for letting me know!!!

[@TimothyBussMusic]

I am enjoying watching you do this. You are the Bob Ross of ambient guitar!!! Love it!!!

[@chordsoforion]

+Timothy Buss Thanks Timothy!

[@EliaTJO]

+Timothy Buss Very true! Such a pleasant voice to listen to!

[@canneddinners6059]

Timothy Buss Where are the glasses Mr. J. R.R. Martin?

[@millichips1]

I’ve always wanted to spend more time learning how to play ambient music on the guitar, and thanks to some gear I purchased recently I’m getting the tones which allow me to do so. I’ve got to say it’s pretty addictive. With your wonderful tutorials, I’m getting soooooo immersed in sound-scapes. Many thanks for sharing your passion and knowledge with us.

[@albg9272]

I honestly love this video. I play guitar at my church, and I focus a lot on ambient stuff whenever the service has a response/prayer moment, needing to vamp, etc. I have difficulty explaining thoughts clearly at times... But now with this video, I feel like I can better explain and help teach other musicians to use this technique so that when I'm not playing that service, they too can build that melancholy/ambient moment ! Thanks !

[@chordsoforion]

+Albs G Glad the video was useful to you. Your comment reminds me that the voicing of a chord can really change the feel or emotion being conveyed in the music. For example, a first inversion chords (3rd in the bass) has a lighter unresolved feel compared to a chord with the root in the bass. Really something to play around with as one builds those "ambient/melancholy moments". Thanks so much for commenting!!!

[@bryden72]

I'm 50-50 on picking up the guitar. Used murder bass many years ago lol. And lots of wait your doing is the sort style I wanna include in the direction I'm wanna head. Love the laid back style of instruction.

[@ahmedeltoukhy]

I used the boss GT-100 to get this tone and damn it is so beautiful ........ Thanks a lot !

[@ricklewis5804]

Ahmed Eltoukhy I have a Boss ME80 and love it.

[@joaoosahko]

the most interesting thing is that you taught me how to see chords in another way, in a manner that nobody else could do before, i thank you my friend, great video, salute from Brasil!

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks for letting me know you are liking the videos. I really appreciate it!!

[@socoblue1988]

Just getting into learning how to play this type of music, even though I've been listening to Hammock and the like for years. Very informative and easy to follow. You have my thanks and a new fan!

[@wampler_pedals]

Thanks for using the Ego comp, glad you like it :)

[@chordsoforion]

Been using it here on the channel for the last 4 years or so on hundreds of vids. It's worked very well!

[@benwearne542]

When I first heard your music I attributed those unresolved tones you make to the reverb and other effects that you were using on your pedal board. Oh how my perception has changed after seeing this

[@gordonmock8652]

Just bought a DIG.... wow the tutorial explanation probably saved me years of practice. Thank you so much for showing these tricks and tips.

[@chordsoforion]

+Gordon Mock I am glad the video was of use! And yes - the DIG is awesome!!!

[@BlankRange]

You're a great teacher!

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks!

[@PT4918]

I swear your voice is just so relaxing to listen to.

[@Pedalnerds]

Very good job of breaking down the chord construction technique for ambient guitar swells. I am enjoying your videos. Keep them coming Bill!

[@chordsoforion]

+Nathan Shafer (EchoEchoGuy) Thanks Nathan! And for everyone else - check out Nathan's channel if you've not already done so. He's got some really great pedal demos and ambient guitar soundscapes!

[@danterhune1357]

Incredible videos. Obviously a very good guitarist, but also a skilled teacher. Not many videos on line go to the extent of teaching step by step like this. THANK YOU so much for these lessons.

[@lisaamaro]

I gotta try these sounds on my synth. Thanks so much.

[@ericlynch9560]

How beautiful. So beautiful ambient guitar

[@LP260396]

I'm new to ambient guitar playing, just bought my flashback delay. And sir, good on you sir. Good on you for doing these lessons. I can see myself improving pretty well

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks!

[@robb4340]

Love your channel and Orion is my favourite starsign in the sky and gives me inspiration to write music. I've made Ambient music with synthesisers a lot and have to say you're a great inspiration to write ambient music with the guitar.

[@defminerva13]

"Saint" by a New Zealand post rock/ambient band called "Jakob" uses the same progression, or at least a very similar sounding progression. Awesome lesson and ty! 8:05-8:30

[@neilpiper2807]

Top notch tutorial, great stuff, keep em coming. Neil

[@chordsoforion]

+Neil Piper I have the next few topics planned out already and am excited to keep the series going!

[@ericstever1574]

331 knuckleheads. Outstanding job. You make some beautiful music and are gracious to share it with the world. Keep up the great work!

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks very much!

[@alessandroferraro9608]

awesome! magic athmospheres indeed

[@MrSamisan1]

I fall in love with every note you play.

[@dannyhassan944]

Thank you so much for the lessons! Best regards all the way from Panama City in Central America!! You're an awesome teacher, keep it up!

[@FacePalmProduxtnsFPP]

well structured lessons, ty I've waited for someone to teach this on KZbin for forever.

[@rickaaron6230]

Possibly one of the coolest niche guitar teaching videos Ive come across. Certainly the most pleasant. Thanks for the great insight to this method! 👍

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks so much for commenting to let me know you liked it!

[@luckythedead]

Wow these videos have really opened my mind! Thanks man!

[@wyatneal77]

I've been playing guitar for years advice advanced more in the last few months with just your tutorials than in the whole time previous. you do an excellent job of explaining everything and you still keep a nice timing to keep it interesting. awesome work keep it up!

[@chordsoforion]

I am really glad the vids have been helpful. Thanks very much for letting me know!

[@csrader]

You are very clear in your instruction. You are very believable. You are very humble. You provide rationale. Your tone is amazing. Your sounds are beautiful. (Nice guitar too.) Thank you for these videos!

[@CounterXparts]

I really, really like the progression on the song that you're demonstrating. It's very relaxing after a long day of work. Thanks man

[@chordsoforion]

And thanks to you for commenting!

[@hernandz1000]

I loved this video no one ever showed me that in such a easier way I'm so impressed

[@rodneywatkins4731]

Beautiful chord progression. Reminds me of "On the nature of daylight" by Max Richter.

[@djzunso]

The slumber is amazing!!

[@sandman20011]

Cracking video thanks very much I've just purchased a lovely UAFX Golden Reverberator Pedal and on the video promoting this pedal was these soulful moving violin like tones, that I fell in love with did a bit of digging and found out there are ambient swells. Well thanks to you I've just purchased another pedal a volume pedal and I'm going to have a go at playing this. Thanks so much for the lesson. Hi from the UK.

[@Buica-4]

Damn man , you are amazing beautiful human being. Thank you for your time and knowledge also friendly way of teaching. Appreciated.

[@BrianJilgMusic]

I was stuck trying to figure out how to write some ambient music.. this was fantastic, even playing piano. Thank you!

[@chordsoforion]

I am glad it was helpful!!

[@currantebob]

i cant thx you enugh for showing me this concept. i heard songs like this but didnt know was ambient guitar. Thx again and regards from Málaga (Spain)

[@popinigis]

This is beautiful. I like your tracks, your style and your classes. Thanks for sharing!

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks for letting me know you are liking the video series. Episode 17 will be posting this coming week!!

[@n84434]

This is a very popular guitar harmony I’ve been hearing in ambient music lately. 2 harmonizing notes, an octave apart.. listen to Soundscapes on Direct TV 857..... great stuff 👍 thank you Orion

[@Innate-Charisma]

New favourite guitar channel. Great stuff!

[@georgerichardson7728]

Very helpful, beautiful music and good teaching, thank you

[@tobugoc]

Already can't wait for the next episode! Thank you!

[@johnkelly4237]

You are a fabulous teacher. Loved your video on Baritone, too. Thanks for your dedication.

[@monsirto]

Thank you!, Much appreciated reminder of tricks long forgotten and a lovely hint of dear old Johnny Martyn in that progression.

[@davidRhea]

Beautiful sounds. I use my volume and tone knob on guitar then use a volume pedal. You can make Pedal Steel and Ambient sounds. Great Demonstration. Thank you.

[@sobreaver]

I like the way you qualify the tonalities, thank you, love the vid !

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks very much!!

[@etherealtalion]

Holy hell, so glad I found this channel! Sir, you’re seriously awesome!

[@SpirosAbatis]

so great minimal and patient approach, thank you!

[@horus7854]

He's not shredding on an Ibanez or doing goofy blues licks and surfy country Les Paul stuff... And I actually learned something! What a coincidence!

[@aliciasmith8791]

This really needed a discussion of leading tones as well.

[@rrobhughes]

Where have you been?!? You are the man! Thanks for all you do for guitar!!!!

[@chordsoforion]

Glad you came around these here parts! :-)

[@christopherecatalano]

Just beautiful stuff, distilled and perfectly demonstrated. Thank you!

[@MichaelSP319]

Thank you Ser Davos. You were the guitar instructor I never had

[@chordsoforion]

+allnaturalbassplayer Instead of "Game of Thrones", it's "Game of Strings"!! I just wish I had clothes like Ser Davos ;) Thanks so much!!!

[@viniciuspinheiro8482]

Your Channel is great... Thanks mate, hugs from Brasil!

[@chordsoforion]

And thanks for watching!!!

[@SatanicGeek]

dude, thank you so much for making these vids. so much knowledge shared without any gimmicks or showing off like all the other videos. \m/ !!!

[@chordsoforion]

You are very welcome. Glad you are getting some value from the vids!

[@Delzx7r]

Excellent insight into ambient styles. Very " Small Hours " by John Martyn ..I'll be following this series of videos. Thanks.

[@RokhartMusic]

Thank you for your videos Bill. This was made 6 years ago so I hope you’re still doing well ✌️

[@waynewhiteguitar1]

Wow, this was posted 9 years ago? I have a lot of catching up to do, obviously! Great content! Thank you!

[@ezer0923]

liked and subbed. Don't stop putting up quality vids sir :D

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks very much!!

[@sanmarcosnewslive]

You are such a wonderful teacher and video blogger and brilliant musician!!!

[@djey308]

this is fabulous. thanks for putting together such a clear and well thought out tutorial. i stick with synth/keyboards for ambient sounds because when i tried the guitar it always took up too much of the soundfield... but your instruction showed me how it can be used effectively! cheers!

[@chordsoforion]

+djey308 Cool! Glad you got some value out of the video. Hope you're able to try some ideas out!

[@growskull]

love a good chord swell, add some phaser and delay and its heaven via aurals

[@FabioKasper]

I am very happy I found your channel. The idea of root and 5th (octave higher) is wonderful. Never realized that. Not to mention the 9th. Still intermediate from my end. Thanks anyway! Good stuff!

[@FabioKasper]

Ohh, btw the first two videos I've seen you've played regular G major scale. Never thought they could sound so wonderful using this scheme. :-)

[@FabioKasper]

You've definitely thought me to play chords using another perspective. Thanks again!

[@chordsoforion]

Excellent! Glad you are getting some idea from the video. Inversions are a really great thing!

[@davidb4509]

Man. This makes me want to play electric so bad. I'm full acoustic right now, but my appetite has been wet! Thank you!

[@neilgroves3592]

excellent lesson Bill....there must be almost infinte ways to play this stuff

[@AgeofReason]

you should demo lower cost equipment, if you don't already. I'm getting back into the art after over ten years without any gear. I bought a used first act and a little amoon branded interface (non pedal) to get back at it. awesome work either way. I look forward to spending hours listening to your presentations.

[@chordsoforion]

What budget range are you thinking of? Thanks!!!

[@AgeofReason]

broke mans wages. pan handlers life. lol under 100. I used to really enjoy boss and digitech gear, personally, but those are out of my budget range currently, so I look up cheap stuff from eBay and Amazon and DIY projects. your volume pedal made me look up DIY wah and volume pedals on KZbin when I was done on your videos for the morning.

[@Niven42]

Bill has done some demos now on VST plugins. There are some very nice plugins available now for your DAW that are free or cheap (Tal reverb comes to mind) and since they’re all digital they can offer sophisticated effects that are essentially noiseless.

[@purpleheartscott8553]

Very nice bro. I’m gonna enjoy learning this style.

[@CraftyOldGit]

I'm finding this so inspiring. Gonna get my guitar out from under the bed where it's been for a couple of years. This is gonna hurt as I don't have callouses any longer.

[@toranamunter]

Listening to Chords of Onion makes me cry

[@johnpowell3767]

Oh! That's a good one!

[@johnnyutah4464]

Beautiful sounds

[@benilak]

I listen to a lot of Hammock and I write music, but I only have my acoustic guitar, no bells and whistles cuz I'm dirt poor. But this inspires me to get some gear and start experimenting because I find this kind of music beautiful

[@hsgator7]

Dig your teaching style man. Very good material, and succinct as well. Subscribed!

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks!

[@MrJezim]

Amazing sound man!!! Thank you for these great ambient tutorials!!! Greetings from germany...:-)

[@chordsoforion]

+Jens Zimmermann Thanks for letting me know you like them. I've got some new episodes coming up within the next few weeks, and am excited to share them!

[@박정남-f3m]

도티

[@flip1213]

You are a fantastic teacher sir.

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks very much!

[@jayjayjayjay1703]

Wonderful sound and play guitar also thank forwonderful sound

[@ant1sokolow]

Very nice ! I was on your vids on a gear interest, but a little pedagogy is always welcomed as i'm a self taught (poor) guitarist. At 10:40 you pick (accidentally ?) a string after the swell in and its sound repeats along and it's very nice too.

[@CowlineRory]

+ant Sor 11:40 :)

[@jeremydeane7057]

The ending idea is cool

[@miltontuffpuff]

i wish i had found you when i picked up the guitar. anyway, you have a fabulous website and thank you for the patience and the perfection in how you share ideas and approach. I love your work kind sir. lots of love and blessings from India !

[@chordsoforion]

+Milton Daniel Thanks so much!!!!

[@manos6426]

Very nice and clearly explained. Thank you for your time.

[@chordsoforion]

You are welcome!

[@simoncrewe5625]

Bloomin marvellous

[@mv2e19]

Damn, that's a beautiful guitar. Great video btw, I'll watch it again later when I'm playing. I've been trying to do ambient stuff for a while now, this'll be really helpful

[@chordsoforion]

Cool! Keep in mind that this is just one of a bunch of videos in the series. I hope some of the other "how to" topics are useful to you too. Thanks!!

[@mv2e19]

Chords Of Orion great, I'll be checking them out. So far I really like your content

[@claudiocruzat4768]

thanks for relaxing chords! from Chile

[@chordsoforion]

+Claudio Cruzat And thanks so much for commenting!!!!!