4-note voicings: 1-4 vs. 2-5 strings?

[philipjkim]

Hi all,

I've just started to study jazz guitar, and got curious about strings used in chord voicings.

This could be stupid question but what I want to know is:
What do you prefer using 1st-4th string or 2nd-5th string when playng 4-note voicings? And why? Is there any tonal difference?

I should learn both voicings eventually, but I'd like to know which one I learn first.

Thanks!!

[Kman]

Learn both sets, but if there is a bassist around don't play that low E-string too often.

[JohnW400]

There are actually three ways to play the "drop 2 " voicings (and other 4 adjecent string chords) they are 1-4 , 2-5 and 3-6.

Which set you choose would depend on range and tone. The lowest set will sound "darker"

Each string set has it's purpose


Here's the root position chord for the lowest strings

Fma7


||---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||---|-3-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||---|-7-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||---|---|-5-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||-1-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|

[bako]

As an over generalization:

4321--- for solo playing or comping melodically behind soloist

5432--- for comping

6543--- Ballad style (arpeggiated) or coordinating with written bass line

Other common 4 note string groups

6432 or 5321

6532 or 5421

Learn both eventually and many others as well.

[philipjkim]

Originally Posted by bako

As an over generalization:

4321--- for solo playing or comping melodically behind soloist

5432--- for comping

6543--- Ballad style (arpeggiated) or coordinating with written bass line

Other common 4 note string groups

6432 or 5321

6532 or 5421

Learn both eventually and many others as well.

That's exactly what I wanted to know. Thanks!

[brwnhornet59]

Yeah, drop 2 voicing's will usually be seen in the upper string set, D G B E, and the middle string set, A D G B. I rarely play the lower string set but they are worth knowing.

I also use drop 3 chords quite a bit in both string sets. E D G B and A G B E.

Learn it all and really absorb it. You will use these chords for the rest of your journey.