Learning Guitar Chords – Slash Chords, 7th Chords and Bar Chords

I know, you are probably asking yourself, is there any way that there is more to learn about chords? Unfortunately, the answer is yes; chords are much more complex than originally meets the eye. After you finish reading this article, though, you should walk away with a much better understanding of some of the more unique chords, which have a tendency to frighten many beginning guitarists away since these chords are more difficult to understand. However, strap yourself in; it’s time to start learning some complex guitar chords, and it is well worth the effort.

Naming Chords

Before continuing with an explanation of the specific slash, 7th, and bar chords, keep in mind that there are four main rules to naming all chords:

•Unless a chord symbol tells you otherwise, the 5th is always natural
•“7” is a flatted 7th step
•“maj7” cancels the flat on the 7th step
•“min, minor or m” means to flatten the 3rd step

Slash Chords

Slash chords may sound frightening, and they may look complicated, but in fact, these chords are relatively simple. A slash chord looks something like this: G/B– that would be a G chord with B slash. When you slash a chord, you replace the root note (in this case the G) with the slash note (B). This gives the chord a bass note instead of the root note.

7th Chords

A 7th chord basically means you flatten the 7th step in the chord. If the 7th step is a B, then the outcome of a flatted 7th would be an A#/Bb. Just remember that a flatted note simply lowers the note a semitone or fret.

As you notice, on the right side of the article there are several 7th guitar chords. The names of the guitar chords follow the rules listed previously. The only difference between the two columns of chords is that in the chords on the right side, the third step is flatted (creating a minor chord).

Bar Chords

A bar chord is a chord that requires you to lay a finger down over a fret to create several notes within a chord. This allows you to play chords further apart than open chords. A capo can be used to produce this bar chord sound perfectly, or simply raise all the strings to a certain pitch. An example of a bar chord is a power chord (insert like to Rock Guitar Chords). A power chord tuned in drop D simply requires that you bar your index finger over multiple frets (specifically the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings) to create a rock guitar chord.

With slash chords, 7th chords, and bar chords under your belt, you are on your way to becoming a sophisticated guitarist.

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