How to Play Guitar Chords Higher Up the Neck
By Riffhard Staff
When you're exploring the vast landscape of guitar playing, moving higher up the neck is like discovering a new continent. It opens up fresh tonal possibilities and can give your playing that extra dimension it needs. Whether you're shredding metal riffs or crafting intricate solos, understanding how to play chords higher up the neck can add a unique flavor to your sound. Let's break down how you can master those neck-hugging chords and spice up your playing style.
Understanding the Fretboard
Before we start forming chords higher up the neck, it's crucial to have a good grasp of the fretboard layout. Think of the fretboard as a map. Each fret represents a step on your journey, and knowing your way around is essential. The notes repeat every 12 frets, meaning the 12th fret is an octave higher than the open strings. This repetition is your friend, allowing you to transpose chords up and down the neck.
To get comfortable with the fretboard, try this exercise: play each note on a single string up to the 12th fret. Say the note names out loud as you play them. This will help embed the note locations in your memory. Once you're familiar with this, you can start experimenting with moving chord shapes up and down the neck.
Barre Chords: Your New Best Friend
Barre chords are the bread and butter of playing chords higher up the neck. They allow you to take open chord shapes and move them to any position on the fretboard. If you're new to barre chords, they can be a bit of a challenge at first, but stick with it. Your fingers will thank you in the long run.
Here's a simple E major barre chord example:
e|---5---
B|---5---
G|---6---
D|---7---
A|---7---
E|---5---
This shape is based on the open E major chord. By barring your index finger across the 5th fret, you create an A major chord. Move this shape up or down to form different major chords. The same principle applies to minor and seventh chords as well.
Power Chords: The Metal Go-To
For metal guitarists, power chords are indispensable. They provide the heavy, driving sound that defines the genre. What's great about power chords is their simplicity and versatility. They're essentially two-note chords, but you can add a third note for a fuller sound.
Here's a basic power chord shape:
e|-------
B|-------
G|-------
D|---7---
A|---7---
E|---5---
This is a D power chord at the 5th fret. The root and fifth note create the chord's structure, and you can move this shape anywhere on the fretboard. It's a staple in genres like thrash and death metal, where speed and aggression are key.
Exploring Inversions
Chord inversions are a fantastic way to add variety to your sound. They involve rearranging the notes in a chord so that a different note is played as the bass. This can change the chord's color and feel, making it more interesting to the listener.
For instance, take a basic C major chord:
e|---0---
B|---1---
G|---0---
D|---2---
A|---3---
E|-------
Now try this first inversion of C major, where E is the bass note:
e|---3---
B|---5---
G|---5---
D|---5---
A|---7---
E|-------
This inversion is played higher up the neck and gives the chord a more open, airy feel. Experiment with different inversions to see how they can transform your sound.
Using the CAGED System
The CAGED system is a valuable tool for navigating the fretboard. It breaks down the fretboard into five interconnected shapes based on the open chords C, A, G, E, and D. By understanding these shapes, you can play almost any chord anywhere on the neck.
For example, the E shape can be moved up to form an A chord at the 5th fret:
e|---5---
B|---5---
G|---6---
D|---7---
A|---7---
E|---5---
Learning the CAGED system takes time, but it's worth the effort. It gives you the freedom to play with more confidence and creativity, allowing you to construct chords that suit your musical vision.
Adding Color with Extensions
Once you're comfortable with basic chord shapes, adding extensions can make your playing more colorful. Extensions are additional notes added to a chord, like the 7th, 9th, or 11th. They can add tension and resolution to your music, perfect for creating dynamic metal compositions.
Here's an example of an E7 chord with an added 9th:
e|---7---
B|---7---
G|---7---
D|---6---
A|---7---
E|---0---
This chord is rich and complex, offering a new layer to your sound. Experiment with different extensions and see how they can enhance your playing.
Practical Tips for Smooth Transitions
Moving up the neck can be tricky, especially when transitioning between chords. One tip is to use anchor fingers—fingers that remain in contact with the strings while moving to the next chord. This can help maintain stability and accuracy.
Practice slowly at first, focusing on clean transitions. Use a metronome to keep time and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. If you need a practice companion, our custom metronome at Riffhard is a great tool to have in your arsenal.
Getting Creative: Combining Chords and Scales
Combining chords with scales is a powerful way to create melodies and solos. When playing higher up the neck, try integrating scale runs into your chord progressions. This will add movement and interest to your playing.
For example, if you're playing an A minor chord, you can incorporate notes from the A minor pentatonic scale to embellish your sound:
e|---8---5---
B|---8---5---
G|---7---5---
D|---7---5---
A|---7---5---
E|---8---5---
This approach allows you to seamlessly blend rhythm and lead playing, giving your music more depth and character.
Embrace the Challenge
Playing chords higher up the neck can be challenging, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Remember, all great guitarists started with the basics and worked their way up. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey.
If you're looking for more guidance, check out our lessons on Riffhard. We offer insights from some of the best metal guitarists in the world, helping you hone your skills and explore new techniques.
Final Thoughts
Playing chords higher up the neck is a fantastic way to expand your musical repertoire and add a new dimension to your guitar playing. Whether you're exploring barre chords or experimenting with inversions, these techniques can bring your music to life. And if you ever need a hand or some inspiration, Riffhard is here with lessons from top metal guitarists to help you along your journey. Happy playing!