How to Write Guitar Chords

Creating your own guitar chords can be as satisfying as nailing that high-speed solo. It’s about expressing something personal, bending the rules, and sometimes completely ignoring them to forge your own sound. Let's talk about how you can start crafting those unique chord progressions that will set you apart.

Understanding Chord Basics

Before you can break the rules, it's helpful to know what they are. A chord is simply a combination of notes played together. Most commonly, chords are built from a root note and include at least two other notes. The most basic type of chord is the triad, which consists of the root, third, and fifth. But, of course, in metal and its various subgenres, we're often pushing beyond the triad.

Major and minor chords are built by altering the third. A major third gives you that bright sound, while a minor third takes you into darker territory. For example:

• Major Chord (C Major): C, E, G
• Minor Chord (C Minor): C, Eb, G

In metal, you'll often encounter power chords, which are essentially a stripped-down version of a chord. They consist of the root and fifth, sometimes with an octave of the root. These are neither major nor minor, and that neutrality makes them ideal for the heavy distortion that metal demands.

Power Chords and Beyond

Power chords are a staple in metal for a reason. Their simplicity allows for quick transitions and a heavy sound that doesn't get muddied with too many notes. Here's how you can play a basic power chord:

e|-----------------|
B|-----------------|
G|-----------------|
D|-7---------------|
A|-5---------------|
E|-----------------|

This is an A5 power chord, with A as the root and E as the fifth. But what if you want to add more complexity to your sound? That's where variations come into play. Try adding a minor or major third, or even a seventh, to give your chords more depth and emotion.

For example, try adding a minor seventh to your power chord:

e|-----------------|
B|-----------------|
G|---7-------------|
D|-7---------------|
A|-5---------------|
E|-----------------|

This gives you an A minor 7 chord, adding a bit of melancholy to your sound. The key is to experiment. Don’t be afraid to try out different combinations and see what resonates with you.

Using Extended Chords

Extended chords, which include notes beyond the seventh, can add a richer texture to your music. These might seem more at home in jazz or progressive rock, but they have their place in metal too, especially in progressive and djent subgenres.

An extended chord can be something like a ninth, eleventh, or thirteenth. Let’s look at a D9 chord:

e|---5-------------|
B|---5-------------|
G|---5-------------|
D|---4-------------|
A|-----------------|
E|-----------------|

Here, you have a D9 chord, which includes the root, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth. It's a fuller sound, and when used sparingly, it can create a moment of surprise in a heavy riff.

In metal, you might not play these chords in their full form. Instead, you can use bits and pieces, like just the root, fifth, and ninth, to maintain clarity while still introducing that extended sound.

Incorporating Dissonance

Dissonance is your friend in metal. It creates tension, unease, and can make your music sound more aggressive or emotional. Using diminished or augmented chords can introduce this element effectively.

A diminished chord is built by stacking minor thirds. For example, a B diminished chord looks like this:

e|-----------------|
B|-----------------|
G|---3-------------|
D|---2-------------|
A|---2-------------|
E|-----------------|

This creates a dark, unresolved sound that can be powerful when used at the right moment. On the other hand, augmented chords stretch the sound, using a raised fifth to create a sense of longing or tension. Here’s a C augmented chord:

e|---3-------------|
B|---5-------------|
G|---5-------------|
D|---5-------------|
A|-----------------|
E|-----------------|

Use these sparingly to punctuate your music with a sense of unease or to transition between ideas.

Crafting Your Own Progressions

Writing your own chord progressions is where you can really start to express your individuality. A good progression can tell a story or evoke a specific emotion. Start by choosing a key and experimenting with different combinations of chords within that key.

For instance, try starting with a simple minor progression like Am, F, C, G. Then, add your own twist—maybe substitute a chord with a diminished or augmented chord, or throw in a power chord for emphasis.

Don't be afraid to step outside the key either. Borrowing chords from parallel modes or keys can add an unexpected twist. For instance, in an Am progression, try including a D major chord, which is not in the key of A minor, to create a sense of tension or surprise.

Utilizing Modal Interchange

Modal interchange, or borrowing chords from parallel modes, can spice up your chord progressions. This technique involves using chords from a different mode built on the same root note. It’s a great way to introduce unexpected colors and moods into your music.

For example, if you're in the key of C major, try borrowing from C minor. You could throw in an Eb major chord or an Ab major chord to add depth and emotion. Here’s how you might play an Eb major:

e|---6-------------|
B|---8-------------|
G|---8-------------|
D|---8-------------|
A|---6-------------|
E|-----------------|

This can create a haunting or dramatic effect, perfect for transitions or bridging sections in your composition.

Experimenting with Tuning

Changing your tuning opens up new sonic possibilities and can inspire fresh chord shapes. Drop D tuning, for example, is a favorite for metal guitarists because it allows for easy power chords with just one finger, and it gives a heavier, darker tone.

Try tuning down even further to Drop C or Drop B. This not only changes the feel of your power chords but also invites new chord shapes that might not have been apparent in standard tuning.

The Role of Riffhard in Learning and Experimentation

If you’re looking to expand your chord vocabulary and get inspired by modern metal legends, consider checking out Riffhard. We offer lessons from some of the most respected guitarists in the genre, helping you to explore new techniques and ideas. With our extensive library, you'll find insights into how these pros approach rhythm and chord construction, enabling you to craft your own unique sound.

Breaking the Rules

Ultimately, the beauty of music—and metal in particular—is in its rule-breaking potential. Once you’ve got a handle on your chords, feel free to shatter conventions. Try stringing together chords that shouldn't work, or create a riff that's intentionally off-kilter.

Sometimes, a progression that feels wrong ends up being the most memorable. Trust your ear and instincts. If it sounds good to you, it's worth pursuing.

Final Thoughts

Writing your own guitar chords is a journey of discovery. It’s about finding what sounds resonate with you and how you can use them to express your musical ideas. And remember, at Riffhard, we’re here to help with lessons from the best in the business, offering tools and insights to aid your exploration. Whether you're into metalcore, djent, or something else entirely, the possibilities are endless.