Spread Voicings

C Major Triads...

Julien Kasper

Spread or "open" voicings are created by dropping or raising the middle voice of a close voiced triad by an octave. When the
middle voice is dropped the triad changes inversion to reflect the new lowest note. If the middle voice is raised the inversion
remains the same.

There are three practical fingering types for spread voicings: lower adjacent - two lower pitches are on adjacent strings;
upper adjacent - two upper pitches are on adjacent strings; non-adjacent - pitches skip strings. This applies to all
inversions on each possible string group. After practicing all inversions on the same string group start mixing and matching
possibilities, moving through the different fingering types and string groups. As with all new fretboard material it is
most important to rapidly internalize the intervalic structure of these voicings so you can manipulate them. Convert all fingering
types and all inversions on each string group to minor, diminished, and augmented. Manipulation of intervals is the most
effective means of understanding and utilizing the material. Practice the triads harmonically and melodically.

Root position
13

8fr

3
5
R
First Inversion

21

12fr

5
R
3

Second Inversion
3fr

29

R
3
5

Upper adjacent

Lower adjacent

Lower adjacent

7fr

Lower adjacent

7fr

10fr

8fr

5fr

J.Kasper

9fr

12fr

Non-adjacent

3fr

Non-adjacent

Upper adjacent
5fr

3fr

Upper adjacent

10fr

5fr

10fr

Non-adjacent

3fr

8fr