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Being a guitarist, and looking at a chart that has the dry chord configs of say 1-6-2-5, what possible alternatives should I be seeing that would bring that loop to life?

Thanks,
RickeG



One big option that the Jazz Cats utilize is varying chord voicings. For a simple C - Am- Dm - G - C (1, 6,2,5) there are a ton of different ways to play (voice) the chords. For example triads (Major - 1, 3, 5) or (Minor 1, b3, 5) of each of these chords exist all over the neck.

Then think chord inversions, the root does not always need to be the bass note (first inversions 3, 5, 1, second inversions 5, 1, 3) . Jazzers like these voicings since it can put the root notes on the higher register strings to make them standout in a melody. Then again if you have a bass player, the guitar does not even need to play the root, think (3, 5, 7) or a whole series of rootless voices.

Then there are the extensions, which add a #9 or b5 or 13th.

When you can play a Cm chord in 6 different voicings over the neck you wil discover you really have colors and flavors you can add to any tune which calls it out.

Here is where I put the big plug in for my alma mater. Check out Berklee On-line School of Music www.berkeemusiconline.com. Chords 101, Chords 102, Jazz Gutar 101 and 102. And you will be on your way.

Dan

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