Guitar All-in-One For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 3

Playing Snazzier Chords with Chord Tones and Extensions

IN THIS CHAPTER

Discovering added chord tones and extensions

Getting to know 2nds, 4ths, 6ths, 7ths, 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths

Playing “sus” and “add” chords

Using 6ths to play blues shuffles

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Chords are made from roots, 3rds, and 5ths. These intervals come from the major scale, where the scale degrees produce different triads, some major and some minor (and one diminished). Guitar players add chord tones and extensions to triads by incorporating other degrees from the major scale — including 2nds, 4ths, 6ths, 7ths, 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths.

In this chapter, you break away from the standard major and minor chords to play fancier chords with more depth and color. You get to know what the little numbers next to chord names mean and how you can form new chord shapes. Rather than have you play all the chord types that are taught in traditional theory, this ...