Between the Licks

Add some quick color with some easy alternative open chords.

Pop-up instructional video to the left.

I enjoy playing easy open chord based songs too, there is just something about strumming an acoustic that is just plaing enjoyable. So I thought, why not show some ways to add color to some othewise boring or basic chords. We're be focusing on add9 or sus2 and add11 or sus4 chords today.

Add a 9th to your chords for a little color

The add9 or sus2 is an airy, free sounding chord that just beckons to be resolved to a major chord. The ninth is a whole step above the root. That means an E is the ninth for a D chord. It also means that a D is the ninth for a C chord. These simple additions can make an otherwise basic chord sound a bit more interesting.

Be careful not to play the major 3rd and the 9th in the same shape. It tends to sound bad.

Here's how to play some common shapes. Let's start with the C chord, assuming to remember the basic shape.

You got it. It's really simple, just an extra note thrown in. Here is that same chord in D.

And now in A.

I hope you realize just how simple these shapes really are. You are basically losing the major 3rd in favor of the 9th. A great way to use them is side by side, creating movement. Think "Free-Falling" by Tom Petty. Lets try another similar chord quality.

Or add an 11th to color your chords

The add11 or sus4 is another airy, free sounding chord. The 11th is two whole steps from the root. So basically the G is the 11th for a D chord. Also, the F is the 11th for a C chord. They are very similar to the add9 or sus2 chords.

Again, be careful not to play the major 3rd and the 9th in the same shape. It tends to sound bad.

Lets try the same chords we worked on before. Here is a C chord.

Moving on, lets try a D chord.

Noticing what we are doing? Pretty simply all around, finally, an A chord.

To reiterate, you are basically losing the major 3rd in favor of the 11th. its a simple concept but can sound great.

How to use these chords

I tend to apply them to songs I write, or covers that I play. They make great substitutions for otherwise bland major chord passages. Moving from the sustained chords to the regular chords and back can create a pleasing movement but be careful, if the vocal melody uses that major 3rd a lot, you could be in for some cringing. The only way to know is to try it out, good luck! 

This site is FREE! If you enjoyed it, consider supporting the site by donating or by logging in to hide the ads.mfBeer Joomla! Plugin