Chords

Latest about Chords

A person plays a guitar
6 simple but super-effective ways to make easy chords sound great

By Richard Barrett Published

Simply rearranging the notes can make basic chords sound infinitely more exciting

Chords
Nile Rodgers performs onstage
Banish stock phrases with these smart triad chord ideas

By Richard Barrett Published

It is all too easy to fall into familiar patterns when playing, but these five triads prove that it's just as easy to break out of them and find a fresh perspective on your playing

Chords
John Mayer
Stop spending all your practice time on soloing: rhythm playing is even more important – and embellishing chords will seriously up your game

By Andy Saphir Published

We show you how to take regular chords and level them up with sliding shapes, doublestops and legato

Chords
Mark Knopfler is a dab hand at incorporating chord shapes in his lead playing
Understanding alternative chord shapes and inversions can have massive benefits for your lead playing – take a break from scales and give your solos a boost by incorporating these shapes

By Richard Barrett Published

Step away from your usual scales by peppering your leads with some smart new chord shapes

Chords
Larry Carlton
Introducing polychords – the mind-bending guitar shapes that will take your playing into new harmonic and melodic worlds

By Richard Barrett Published

Polychords are a neat way to expand your musical vocabulary and can be used in your rhythm and lead playing, as the great Larry Carlton has demonstrated time and time again

Techniques
Close up of a woman playing an acoustic guitar
There’s no such thing as an ‘acoustic guitar chord’ – but these 12 shapes sound amazing unplugged

By Chris Bird Published

Learn a dozen chords that will expand your musical vocabulary and enhance your songwriting – and the best bit? They’re not that difficult

Chords
Nile Rodgers
Your solos and rhythm playing will benefit from learning chords across the fretboard – and major 7ths are a great place to start

By Richard Barrett Published

The major 7th chord is a favorite among guitarists of all stripes, including Nile Rodgers – here are 5 ways to take the shape to the next level, and your overall playing along with it, too

Chords
Young woman playing electric guitar.
10 ways to make your guitar chords more interesting

By Charlie Griffiths Published

Learn how chords can tap into emotions and you can improve your rhythm chops – and songwriting – fast

Chords
Martin Taylor
How to combine chords and walking basslines on guitar

By Martin Taylor Published

British jazz maestro Martin Taylor talks us through his chord and walking bassline approach, while keeping that swing going all the time

Chords
Andy Summers
How to tell the difference between add chords and altered guitar chords

By Richard Barrett Published

Here are five chords with names to test the brain and a sound that's kind to the ear. Add them to your chord vocabulary now

Chords
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