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Open Chord-Melody Examples

In Lessons 3 and 4, we practiced changing between pairs of open chords. This lesson looks at chord- melody patterns based mostly on open E, A and D chords.

You should use a guitar pick for these exercises, but you can also use play these chord-melody patterns finger-style.

The chord-melody patterns we will look at use arpeggiation in the right hand. 'Arpeggiation' is picking individual strings with the right hand while the left hand holds an open chord shape. Some examples combine arpeggiation with open chord strums.

These types of chord-melody patterns can break the monotony of a straight chord-strumming part in a song.

The examples we cover in this lesson can be applied to all pop styles, including rock, blues, country, jazz, etc.

You should be comfortable with open chords, especially open E, A, D and G. Lessons 3 and 4 in this series offer an easy approach to open chords.

Examples will be described using tablature, diagrams and photos. Each example also has a video demonstration, and a practice track. The purpose of the tabs, photos, diagrams and videos is so that you can play in time with the practice tracks.

Main Points of This Lesson:

• Forming open chord shapes in the left hand
• Picking individual strings against a chord shape
• Combining single notes and strumming
• Adding single-note extensions to open chords
• Playing in time with simple music tracks ('microsongs')