Hey Friend,

I'm still fiddling around with this new Tascam audio interface Santa brought me. I spent some time with technical support and stumped them, so now I'll be talking directly with the manufacturer.

Hopefully by some time next week I'll either have a solution or a replacement. Until then, I can plug in the old one and get to work.

This is good, as I have been itching to start working out some new tunes and do some recording. All this chord work we've done has me inspired.

What is really interesting to me is the tonal differences you can hear in a chord. I'm not talking about the obvious difference in pitch when you play a triad on the first three strings versus the last three. 

No, it's the use of different inversions and the mix-up of note order. Changing the order of the chord notes can have a subtle effect on the direction and emotion of the melody.

We're definitely getting into songwriter territory here, and it's a lot of fun to mess around with the various chord shapes and the resulting tonal nuances you can get.

I'm a big fan of using open strings when I can, especially when the chord shapes are higher up on the neck. I really like suspended chords and the airy sound the two and four notes add to the chord tones.

Before you think I'm getting all new-agey talking about "airy" sounds, let me just point out some other artists that like to use these chords in their music:

All respectable rockers with long histories of massive success and songs that have people still loving these bands today.

So I want you to try something today outside just practicing from an exercise...

Take one of the exercise files I've given you for different chord positions - pick a chord, any chord. Whatever sounds good to you.

Select a chord from the tabs and play it, but instead of only playing the three notes of the chord, play some additional open strings surrounding the shape. How does it sound?

If it sounds great, excellent! You've found a way to play a variation of the chord and incorporate additional open notes to it. You may have even changed the inflection from a major chord to a major 7, or a suspended 2, or an add9, or whatever.

If it doesn't sound good, slide the shape up (or down) two frets and try that out. Keep moving the triad until you find something that sounds pleasing to you or sparks an idea.

Just to be clear, a chord that sounds "bad" to you isn't necessarily a bad thing. Any sound can cause you to perk up and get inspired.

This is my process, the way I play around with chords to get ideas.

While you might still be a guitar beginner, you don't have to be stuck playing simple open chords - I hope you realize that.

I'm giving you a lot of ways to expand your playing very quickly with these various positions.If one chord is difficult for you, there's always another shape and location you can use to accomplish the same sound.

You might not realize yet, but this kind of freedom gives you tons of choices. Take advantage of them. Experiment. Find what works for you. 

Enjoy!

Peace~

Dave