How to Spice Up Guitar Chords

Guitar chords are like the spices in a dish—they can be rich and flavorful, or they can fall flat if you don’t mix them up a bit. Whether you’re strumming away in your bedroom or shredding on stage, adding a little zest to your chords can make all the difference. Let’s take a look at some techniques to spice up those chords and bring new life to your playing.

Adding Suspended Chords for Tension

If you’ve ever felt like your chords are sounding a bit too predictable, suspended chords might be your new best friend. These chords add a touch of tension and drama, making them perfect for metal genres where intensity is key. Suspended chords replace the third of a chord with either a second (sus2) or a fourth (sus4), creating a sound that leaves listeners hanging.

Here’s a quick example: Instead of playing a standard A major chord, try an Asus2 or Asus4. The difference is subtle but effective. You’ll find this technique commonly used in intros or bridges to build anticipation. It’s like the cliffhanger at the end of a TV episode, leaving your audience wanting more.

• Asus2: Play A, B, E
• Asus4: Play A, D, E

When you’re ready to dive deeper, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists, where you can learn how to implement these chords effectively in your playing.

Incorporating Open Chords with Drones

Open chords with drone notes can give your playing that full, rich sound that fills the room. By letting certain strings ring open while playing other chords, you create a harmonious blend that adds depth to your music. This technique is especially useful in metal, where creating a wall of sound is often the goal.

Try using an open D drone while playing a progression in D major. Keep the D string open throughout the chord changes. This technique can add an ethereal quality to your music, making it sound more expansive.

For those looking to expand their chord vocabulary and explore these techniques further, Riffhard provides a wide array of lessons to help you master these concepts.

Switching to Power Chords for a Heavier Sound

When it comes to metal, sometimes you need to bring the thunder. Power chords are your go-to for a heavier, more aggressive sound. They strip down the chord to just the root and fifth, removing the third to avoid any major or minor tonality, which makes them perfect for distortion and amplification.

The classic E5 power chord is a staple in metal. To play it, you just need to fret the 7th fret on the A string and the 9th fret on the D string. The simplicity of power chords allows you to focus on rhythm and speed, two essential components in metal music.

• Power Chord Shape: Root note on the E or A string, fifth is two frets up and one string down.

On Riffhard, we’ve got lessons that delve into power chord variations and how to integrate them seamlessly into your playing for that crushing sound.

Using Extended Chords for Complexity

Extended chords like 7ths, 9ths, and 11ths can add a layer of complexity to your music that really sets it apart. These chords introduce additional notes that create richer harmonies and more intricate textures. Perfect for sections where you want to add a bit of intrigue or sophistication.

For example, an E7 chord includes the notes E, G#, B, and D. The addition of the D note creates a tension that resolves nicely when moving to an A major chord. Try experimenting with these extended chords to see how they can add unexpected twists to your music.

By exploring the vast library of lessons available on Riffhard, you can learn how to incorporate these extended chords into your playing, guided by experts in the field.

Altered Tunings for New Sonic Landscapes

Sometimes, the key to spicing up your chords lies in changing the tuning of your guitar. Altered tunings can open up new sonic possibilities and inspire creativity. Drop D tuning is a popular choice in metal, lowering the pitch of the low E string to a D, which adds depth and heaviness to your sound.

Another interesting tuning to try is DADGAD, which creates a droning, open sound often used in Celtic music but can be adapted for metal for a unique twist. Altered tunings can also make certain chord shapes easier to play, allowing for more fluid transitions between different chord voicings.

On Riffhard, we explore various altered tunings and how they can transform your playing, with lessons crafted by some of the leading names in metal guitar.

Arpeggiating Chords for Melodic Interest

Arpeggiation involves playing the notes of a chord one at a time instead of strumming them all together. This technique can add a melodic element to your chords, creating a more intricate and engaging listening experience. It’s like turning a simple vanilla cake into a layered masterpiece.

Start by taking a simple chord like C major and picking the notes individually in a sequence. Experiment with different patterns and rhythms to see how they change the feel of the chord. Arpeggiating can be particularly effective in intros or quieter sections of a song, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.

For those interested in developing their arpeggiation skills, Riffhard offers detailed lessons focused on this technique, taught by some of the best guitarists in the industry.

Adding Harmonics for a Touch of Magic

Natural harmonics can add an ethereal quality to your chords, providing a shimmering, bell-like sound that can elevate your music. By lightly touching the string at specific points, you can produce these magical overtones that resonate beautifully.

Try adding harmonics at the 12th, 7th, and 5th frets to a chord progression. You can use them to accentuate certain parts of your music or to transition between sections. Harmonics are like the secret ingredient in a recipe that takes it from good to unforgettable.

With Riffhard, you can explore how to effectively use harmonics in your playing, with guidance from renowned metal guitarists.

Using Dynamics and Articulation to Add Emotion

Dynamics and articulation can transform a simple chord progression into an emotional journey. By varying the volume and intensity of your playing, you can convey different moods and emotions, adding depth to your music.

Experiment with playing softly and then gradually increasing the intensity, or try incorporating techniques like palm muting or slides to add texture. The way you articulate each note can make a huge difference in how your music is perceived, turning it from a simple sequence of chords into a compelling narrative.

At Riffhard, we provide lessons that focus on using dynamics and articulation to enhance your playing, ensuring that your music resonates with listeners.

Exploring Modal Interchange for Unique Chord Progressions

Modal interchange involves borrowing chords from parallel modes to add variety to your progressions. This technique can introduce unexpected turns in your music, keeping listeners on their toes and adding an element of surprise.

For instance, if you’re playing in C major, you might borrow a chord from C minor, such as an Eb major chord. This creates a refreshing contrast and can lead to more creative songwriting. It’s like adding a pinch of an exotic spice to your favorite dish, giving it a whole new flavor profile.

With Riffhard, you can learn more about modal interchange and how to apply it to your music, with lessons from top-tier metal guitarists.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—some ways to spice up your guitar chords and bring new life to your music. Whether you’re adding tension with suspended chords, exploring altered tunings, or incorporating dynamics and articulation, there’s always something new to try. At Riffhard, we’re here to help you on your journey with lessons from the best modern metal guitarists. Dive in and elevate your playing to new heights!