29. Chord Variations

You already know how to play the C major scale on the E string, and you're familiar with the E string chord shapes.

Let's take the C major chord rooted on the E string as our starting point.

• Highlight 4 frets of notes higher in pitch/towards the bridge the from the top note of the chord.
• These highlighted notes are other notes from the C major scale that you can use to create chord variations.

Examples of Chord Variations:

• As you can see in these 3 examples, I took the C major chord as a template, and then I made variations of it using the C major scale.
• If you use the same notes (but perhaps in a different order or octaves), it remains a C major chord.
• However, if you add notes that extend the original chord (beyond the basic triad), this will change its specific quality or name.
  • For instance, in the first variation, adding the note D extends the C major chord, transforming it into a C Major add9 chord.
• Below are examples of notes you can modify in the 7 diatonic chords of C major rooted on the E string.

• You can create variations using any note from the major scale.
• Typically, we modify a chord using notes from the major scale because they produce a melodic sound. However, incorporating notes outside the major scale can result in unique and unconventional tones, often characteristic of jazz.
• I recommend making variations four frets higher in pitch/towards the bridge from the top note of the chord because it allows you to barre with your index finger while using your other three fingers to add notes.
  • That said, variations can be made using any notes so the whole fretboard is fair game.

Use Chord Variations

• Play the 3 example C major chord variations introduced at the beginning of this chapter.

Use Chord Variations to Create

• Create a C major chord variation.
• Create a D minor chord variation.

Test

Summary

• This chapter introduces the concept of Chord Variations.
• It demonstrates how to create variations by taking a base chord (e.g., C major) and adding other notes from the C major scale.
• The core idea is that using the same notes from the original chord, even in different voicings, keeps it the same chord (e.g., different inversions or voicings of C major).
• However, adding notes not in the original chord modifies the chord (e.g., adding D to a C major triad creates a C Major 9 chord).
• The chapter states that variations created using any note from the major scale, typically produces a melodic sound.
• Incorporating notes outside the major scale results in unique and unconventional jazz tones.
• A practical recommendation is given to create variations four frets down from the top note of the chord to facilitate barring with the index finger and using other fingers for added notes.
  • However, the entire fretboard is fair game for creating variations.

Goal Achieved

You have successfully learned the fundamental principle of Chord Variations, understanding how to extend and modify existing chords by adding notes from the major scale to create new harmonic possibilities.

What's Next

Ready to unlock boundless musical possibilities and play in any key on your guitar? Next chapter reveals the surprisingly simple secret to changing keys: merely shifting your root note and scale patterns along the fretboard. You'll discover that all your learned chord shapes, pentatonic, and major scale patterns remain consistent, allowing you to effortlessly transpose any progression or solo to a new key and truly master the entire fretboard!