How to Form Chords on the Guitar

Chord formation on the guitar is like building a house—every note has its place, and each contributes to the overall structure. Whether you’re laying down a foundation for a thrash metal riff or crafting an atmospheric black metal intro, understanding how chords work is vital. This journey will help you navigate the world of guitar chords, offering insights into forming them across different styles and genres.

Starting with Power Chords: The Bedrock of Metal

Let’s kick things off with power chords, the bread and butter of metal guitar playing. These are arguably the simplest chords, but don’t let their simplicity fool you—they pack a punch. Power chords typically involve two or three strings, focusing on the root note and the fifth. The result? A sound that’s clear, aggressive, and perfect for those chugging riffs.

To play a basic power chord, place your index finger on the root note and your ring finger on the fifth. For a fuller sound, you can add your pinky on the octave of the root. For example, a G power chord would look like this:

e|-----|
B|-----|
G|-----|
D|--5--|
A|--5--|
E|--3--|

This simplicity allows you to focus on precision and rhythm. If you want to dive deeper into the nuances of power chords, check out lessons from Riffhard, where experts like Zakk Wylde break down their techniques.

Minor and Major Chords: Adding Emotion to Your Playing

While power chords are the backbone of many metal subgenres, minor and major chords add emotional depth to your music. Minor chords often evoke a somber or ominous mood, making them perfect for darker, atmospheric passages. Major chords, on the other hand, can inject brightness and tension, adding contrast to your compositions.

Let’s take a look at the A minor chord:

e|--0--|
B|--1--|
G|--2--|
D|--2--|
A|--0--|
E|-----|

Notice how the open strings resonate, adding a rich texture to the chord. In contrast, here’s an A major chord:

e|--0--|
B|--2--|
G|--2--|
D|--2--|
A|--0--|
E|-----|

The subtle shift between these two chords can drastically change the mood of your piece. For more insights into how these chords function in metal compositions, Riffhard has a library of lessons taught by seasoned guitarists like Dean Lamb of Archspire.

Barre Chords: Flexibility Across the Fretboard

Barre chords are a step up in complexity and offer a lot of flexibility. With barre chords, your index finger acts as a movable capo, allowing you to play major and minor chords all over the neck. This is particularly useful for transitioning between different keys without changing your chord shapes.

Here’s an example of an F major barre chord:

e|--1--|
B|--1--|
G|--2--|
D|--3--|
A|--3--|
E|--1--|

Notice how your index finger covers all six strings. This technique can be challenging at first, but with practice, it becomes a powerful tool in your arsenal. Barre chords are crucial in genres like metalcore and progressive metal, where quick key changes are common.

Seventh Chords: Adding Complexity and Tension

Seventh chords introduce an additional layer of complexity, perfect for adding tension and intrigue to your music. They include a seventh interval on top of the basic triad, creating a richer sound. In metal music, seventh chords can add a jazzy or bluesy feel, often used in more progressive styles.

Here’s how you might play an A7 chord:

e|--0--|
B|--2--|
G|--0--|
D|--2--|
A|--0--|
E|-----|

That added seventh note can give your riffs a distinctive character. Experiment with different seventh chords to see how they can enhance your compositions. Our instructors at Riffhard can guide you through these more intricate chord structures.

Extended Chords: Going Beyond the Basics

Once you’re comfortable with basic and seventh chords, it’s time to explore extended chords. These include ninths, elevenths, and thirteenths, adding even more color and complexity to your music. Extended chords are often found in jazz-influenced metal or progressive metal, where musicians push the boundaries of traditional harmony.

For example, an E9 chord looks like this:

e|--0--|
B|--0--|
G|--1--|
D|--0--|
A|--2--|
E|--0--|

These chords can be tricky to master, but they’re worth the effort for the unique textures they bring to your playing. Lessons from Riffhard can provide detailed guidance on incorporating these advanced chords into your repertoire.

Drop Tuning: Transforming Chords for a Heavier Sound

Many metal guitarists use drop tunings to achieve a heavier sound. By lowering the pitch of your strings, you can create deeper, more resonant chords. Drop D tuning, for example, allows you to play power chords with a single finger, making it easier to switch between chords in fast-paced sections.

In drop D tuning, the strings are tuned as follows:

• D (low E string tuned down to D)
• A
• D
• G
• B
• E (high E string remains the same)

This tuning is popular in genres like djent and metalcore, where the low, growling sound is a staple. Experiment with different drop tunings to find the one that best suits your style.

Arpeggiated Chords: Adding Melody and Movement

Arpeggiated chords break up the notes of a chord, playing them individually rather than strumming them all at once. This technique adds movement and melody to your playing, often used in intros or bridges to create atmosphere and emotion.

Consider a simple C major arpeggio:

e|--0--|
B|--1--|
G|--0--|
D|--2--|
A|--3--|
E|-----|

By picking each string in sequence, you can create a flowing, melodic line. Arpeggios are a staple in progressive metal, where intricate guitar work is the norm. To refine your arpeggio technique, you might want to explore lessons from experts at Riffhard.

Inversions and Voicings: Expanding Your Chord Vocabulary

Inversions and voicings involve rearranging the notes in a chord to emphasize different tones. By changing which note is the lowest, you can create a completely different sound, adding depth and variety to your playing.

For instance, a C major chord in first inversion places the E note as the bass:

e|--0--|
B|--1--|
G|--0--|
D|--2--|
A|--3--|
E|-----|

Inversions are particularly useful for creating smooth transitions between chords, maintaining a consistent bass line, or highlighting specific melodies. They are a valuable tool in any guitarist’s toolkit, especially in complex metal arrangements.

Final Thoughts

Chords are the building blocks of your guitar playing, offering endless possibilities for creativity and expression. Whether you’re sticking with the basics or exploring more advanced techniques, there’s always something new to learn. At Riffhard, we provide lessons from some of the best metal guitarists in the world, helping you refine your skills and expand your musical horizons. Dive into our extensive library and elevate your playing today.