The Fail-Proof Procedure for Creating ANY Chord on the Guitar

The Fail-Proof Procedure for Creating ANY Chord on the Guitar

1. Recall the spelling and definition needed for the desired chord.
2. Choose a chord shape template to start with.
3. If the chord has any kind of ‘7’ in it, then replace one of the doubled roots in the template with ‘7’.
4. Manipulate the shape from there to include the correct chord tones.
○ Count using the major scale as needed.

○ Take away doubled notes as needed.

5. Replace the ‘5’ or even the root if needed to make room for extensions.
6. Try starting from a different chord shape template if that one didn't work.
7. Move octaves around as needed, or as desired, to find different shapes, or to add doubled notes (or to
find the necessary inversion if it’s a slash chord) until you have the shape you want.
8. Practice it: Jump between that new chord shape and a non-extended version of it that's familiar to
solidify it in your actual playing. (If it’s a jazz chord then use a shell voicing as your familiar shape).
○ If a version of that chord isn't familiar then use any familiar chord shape to jump back and forth between.