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Adding melody to chords


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Posted

I'm trying to learn how to add melody to chords. Like with the hammer-ons and pull-offs over the chords that kind of sound like a simple solo. Are there any songs you suggest that I can play around with, or ideas I can build off of? I'd really appreciate any input.

  • Members
Posted

I'm not sure what your skill or knowledge levels are, but the simplest way to do this is play a chord then take lift one of your fingers, if you like the sound remember it if it sounds bad, don't do it again.

If you have any free fingers, put them down somewhere and apply the same sounds good/sounds bad rule.

There is theory to make it a more intelectual process, but I've found random finger lifting results in some unexpected delights.

  • Members
Posted

typically adding notes over chords the added melody notes come from the major scale thechord resides in. So to learn adding this to your playing you need to learn the major scale really well. So start with the key of C. Use the second position with no open strings. Draw it out on paper and for each note of the scale figure out the chord for it that the scale notes allow. Draw each chord out. Now play one of those chords only this time suspend a different scale note over the chord. In fact try holding down that chord and playing the scale at the same time. This is the basic concept.

 

Once you can see the major scale across the neck it makes a lot of this stuff a lot easier.

 

Good luck!

  • Members
Posted

Try an A-form chord just using your first finger to barre the 2-3-4 strings and use your other fingers to play the major scale notes of the chord. For instance, D Maj:

 

xx777x and you can add from the D major scale:

 

e: 7-9-10

B: 8(sus4)-10

G: 9-11

D: 9-11

 

You can also do the 'tougher' A-form chord:

 

e: 1

B: 1-4

G: 1-3

D: 1-2

A: 1

E: 1

 

And then you can slide the pinky (4) up a fret to make a sus4 and lift it as well. You can also lift the 2 and 3 with practice.

  • Members
Posted

{censored} around.

Its what I do, I barely know anything about theory... like I struggle to remember what a minor or major scale look like, but I know what they sound like.

Your ear is the best tool.

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