fingers too short for a lot of chords... so, what do you do

[grahambop]

The Joe Pass guitar chord book does not name the individual chords
Ron

I learned most of my chords from that book. Joe liked chords that were easy to play and so do I!

He groups them into major, minor, dominant etc. in a given key. I went through the book and wrote out the names of the chords with the extensions, I think this was a valuable exercise in itself.

I think Joe's point is that a dominant altered chord is a dominant altered chord. You decide if it sounds right for the specific situation. Knowing whether it is a G7b9 or a G7#9 (for example) is of secondary importance.

[Boston Joe]

Does the root note need always be played?
That is quite often the one that makes a long stretch.
Unless it is not played on the low E string
Ronald

No, the root does not always need to be played. In fact, the root is probably the least important note in the chord.

If you're playing with a group, the bass player will get the root anyway.

The important notes are the 3 and 7. You can comp very nicely just using those notes.

I very rarely play more than a four note chord.

[matt.guitarteacher]

No, the root does not always need to be played. In fact, the root is probably the least important note in the chord.

If you're playing with a group, the bass player will get the root anyway.

The important notes are the 3 and 7. You can comp very nicely just using those notes.

I very rarely play more than a four note chord.

Absolutely. Also, many great players enjoy big fancy chords for certain applications , but it's really just personal taste thing. Many other players, even great players, 90% of the time seem to prefer two "tasty" chords in succession ( especially if the right combination and implying the right movement) vs. ONE truly "transcendent" chord voicing.

In context, movement/ voice leading can be more important than the actual individual voicing.

[Generalmojo]

Absolutely. Also, many great players enjoy big fancy chords for certain applications , but it's really just personal taste thing. Many other players, even great players, 90% of the time seem to prefer two "tasty" chords in succession ( especially if the right combination and implying the right movement) vs. ONE truly "transcendent" chord voicing.

In context, movement/ voice leading can be more important than the actual individual voicing.

Just want to add to this thread that this idea isn't limited to jazz. Growing up in rock bands (to actually GET gigs haha) I found that a lot of players (save power chords) don't play the root. I discovered this and it was "Holy @&$&! That's the difference (well one) between that amateur sound and the pro sound!" From bob Marley to Pearl Jam to Van Halen to Andrew Bird or The Beatles. Avoid the root in the bass when playing with a band. Maybe even the fifth! Less notes = bigger and wider sound many times. It's just tough because that's where our foundation of knowledge lies. It's uncomfortable at first. "Wait, what is this chord?" I found it helpful to picture the root on the fretboard even though I wasn't playing it.


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[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

Just want to add to this thread that this idea isn't limited to jazz. Growing up in rock bands (to actually GET gigs haha) I found that a lot of players (save power chords) don't play the root. I discovered this and it was "Holy @&$&! That's the difference (well one) between that amateur sound and the pro sound!" From bob Marley to Pearl Jam to Van Halen to Andrew Bird or The Beatles. Avoid the root in the bass when playing with a band. Maybe even the fifth! Less notes = bigger and wider sound many times. It's just tough because that's where our foundation of knowledge lies. It's uncomfortable at first. "Wait, what is this chord?" I found it helpful to picture the root on the fretboard even though I wasn't playing it.


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so just play the third?

[Generalmojo]

so just play the third?

"In the bass" is the key phrase.


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[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

"In the bass" is the key phrase.


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D'oh! My bad. I misread that as the bass (player).

[Generalmojo]

D'oh! My bad. I misread that as the bass (player).

Oh haha. Like I tell me bass player, it doesn't really matter for bassists. Just thump those low notes and nobody knows the difference. Haha. Gets him riled up every time.


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[Longways to Go]

No, the root does not always need to be played. In fact, the root is probably the least important note in the chord.

If you're playing with a group, the bass player will get the root anyway.

The important notes are the 3 and 7. You can comp very nicely just using those notes.

I very rarely play more than a four note chord.

I hear "the root will get covered by the bass player" argument often on this forum. That has not been my experience. I play in a jazz duo/trio/quartet situation and the bass player floats around leaving me hanging quite often. I find that having the root note in my hand to be very useful more often than not.

I play Freddy Green style 3 note voicings often, and am working on learning a good "walk" with chords along with that -- though I don't really have that skill down yet.

As a fingerstyle player, even when I'm barring across the strings, I usually don't pluck all of them simulatenously

[mr. beaumont]

Bassline should always suggest the harmony if the bassist is job is supporting. Roots or not.

[Thumpalumpacus]

Another vote for good classical positioning. Centering my thumb has reaped many rewards.