Chord symbols with extra numbers and foreign symbols can be intimidating. Most people either ignore them or look for another song to learn. You can easily learn not only what those symbols mean, but also how to play the chords they describe. I'll even give you a rule to learn so that if you're in a live situation and don't have the time to do your chord spelling on the fretboard you can get through the situation without losing your cool or your gig!

Know your basics
Before leaping into working with extended and altered chords, be sure you are well versed in basic chord theory. This foundation work is covered in my guitar instructional video, "Woman to Woman Guitar".  You can also learn chord construction in A Guitar Player's Guide to Ear Training, where you can learn to recognize the sounds, as well. If you're comfortable with constructing triads, you will avoid confusion or frustration with the extended and altered chords.

Learn the seventh chords
The first step is to learn two versions of each seventh chord: one with the root on the fifth string and one with the root on the sixth. I've given you my favorites on the enclosure of the instructional video "Woman to Woman Guitar". I've titled them "moveable chords" and they include major7, minor7 and dominant7. Really learn these. (If you don't have the guitar instructional video, choose two of each chord quality that work for you.) Be able to spell the chords as well as play them, so you are comfortable with naming the 5th of the chord or the 7th and so forth. Use the advice on the video regarding chord spelling to speed up this learning process.

Making sense of extensions
Now for the rule about extensions: If the first extension is 7 or greater, the chord is dominant. 

For example, a G9 would be a dominant chord, because the first extension is 9, which is greater than 7. This gives you two pieces of useful information: the chord is a V chord and, in a pinch, you could play a G7. But let's see what note you add to get the 9th that is called for. Simply count to 9, using "G" as 1 and you will end up with "A" as 9. To speed up the process, remember that 8 is an octave, so 9 is the same as 2, in this case the note "A". The chord is spelled G B D F A (a dominant7 chord with a 9th added). Maybe you don't want to play that many notes (or maybe you can't!). The least important notes in the chord are the 5th and the root, so you can leave them out. The 3rd and the 7th define the quality of the chord. Keep them, and use the 9th, since it is called for.

If the first extension is 6 or less or the word "major", the chord is major in quality. 

Using a similar example, a G Maj9 chord would be a major chord, since the first extension is the word "major". A G6/9 would also be major (functioning as a I or IV in a major key), because the first extension is 6 or less. There is a pretty big difference between G9 (a dominant chord) and GMaj9 (a major chord). If you try to substitute a dominant chord (G7) for a major chord (GMaj9), you'll be playing in the wrong key. Very unpopular. If you're in a tight spot and need an easy substitute, stick with the triad (G major chord).

How to play them
Now to play these chords. Go back to the moveable chords which you know so well and . . . well, alter them! To find a 9th, you could sacrifice a root and play the note two frets higher. (Remember, 9 is the same as 2.) Or, if you've got an extra 3rd, you could move it back to the 2nd (9th). Play around with different options. Of course, if you're dealing with a chord as common as a 9th chord, it's a good idea to memorize a couple of shapes for 9th chords and add them to your vocabulary. But when you get hit with something less common you'll have the tools to spell the chord the way it suits you on your fretboard. The great thing about this is that while you're doing it, you're getting more familiar with your fretboard as well as your chord spelling. The first time you try this, it may be slow, as most things are at first, but you'll quickly improve your speed and comprehension and your playing will reflect your newfound sophistication.

Chords for practice
Spell the following extended and altered chords and determine whether they are major or dominant. Answers will follow.

1. C6 
2. D7b9
3. G13b5b9
4. AMaj7
5. F6/9

1. This is a major chord (first extension 6 or less) that is spelled C E G A

2. A dominant chord spelled D F# A (C) Eb     (Eb is the
 flatted 9th)

3. Another dominant chord: G B Db (F) Ab E

4. A major chord: A C# E G#

5. Another major chord, spelled F A C D G

Need to find notes faster on the guitar? Start with Fretboard Familiarity, which you can download for only $7.95. To speed up your chord spelling and continue your practice of finding notes on the guitar, use Practice Cards for Guitar Players.

 

A Complete  Guitar Instruction Course with one of America's most progressive instructors,  Charlotte Adams:  Accompaniment and Rhythm Playing, Lead Playing, Learning Tactics, Ear Training and more.  DVD $39.95 Includes two enclosures / 85 minutes

To schedule a lesson with Charlotte or book a workshop, contact us.