Use This Simple Trick to Show Off on Your Guitar
Use This Simple Trick to Show Off on Your Guitar
Hey guys, Brad Litton from SimpleGuitar.com. This blog post transcribes my YouTube lesson on a simple trick: play a few open chords, throw in some licks from a scale, and make it sound like you know exactly what you're doing.
This is great when you're hanging out with people, you're at a party, and you don't really know what to play. I do it all the time.
The Chords (Keep Two Fingers Parked)
I'm using chords where I can leave my third and fourth fingers in place on the third fret of the first and second strings the whole time:
- G: first and second fingers on the sixth and fifth strings, frets 3 and 2
- Cadd9: move those two fingers down one string — third fret on the fifth string, second fret on the fourth string
- E minor 7: second fret on both of those strings
- Dsus4: first finger, second fret of the third string (or just a regular D)
The Scale: E Minor Pentatonic (Open Position)
We're going to use E minor pentatonic. In this position it's basically open strings plus the second or third fret:
- Sixth string: open, 3
- Fifth string: open, 2
- Fourth string: open, 2
- Third string: open, 2
- Second string: open, 3
- First string: open, 3
That's the whole scale. Open 3, open 2, open 2, open 2, open 3, open 3. Then play it back down.
Step 1: Strum, Then Fill
Make a G. Strum a whole note — count 1 2 3 4 — and while that rings, use notes from the scale.
Example lick (leave third and fourth fingers down so you can get back to G):
- Fourth string open
- Hammer-on to the second fret (don't pick the second fret — hammer it)
- Third string open
- Strum the chord again
If that's hard at first, slow it down: 1 2 3 and 4. Build it up.
You can use any notes in that scale over these chords. Another one: second fret on the third string, pull off to open, then fourth string open. Or open second string, hammer on to three, get back to the chord.
Step 2: Change Chords, Same Idea
Throw in a lick on G, change to Cadd9, throw in a lick (same one is fine), change to E minor 7, lick, change to D, lick, back to G.
On D I often reverse it: second fret on the third string, pull off to open, second fret on the fourth string, then back to G.
You're making it up. Superimpose the scale notes on the chord you're on and have fun.
Step 3: Know the Scale With Hammers and Pull-Offs
Practice the scale with hammer-ons going up and pull-offs coming down. I use my first finger on the second fret and my second finger on the third fret. Open string, hammer to the next note. Coming down, pull off.
Know the scale. Know the chords so the changes are easy. Then start throwing it together bit by bit.
That's the trick. G, C, D, E minor, E minor pentatonic, a couple hammers and pull-offs. Sounds fancier than it is.
If you want a simple place to start, grab my free Top 10 Things to Learn on Guitar First at http://simpleguitar.com/top10.
And hang out with other adult guitar players in the Simple Guitar Facebook group: http://facebook.com/groups/simpleguitar.
About the Author
Brad from Simple Guitar helps adult learners play the songs they love without the frustration. Visit simpleguitar.com for more free resources and lessons.
