OK guitarists, why?

[flipper35]

I know this has been a trend a long time, but I see it more and more often now different places.

Why do so many play the 4 fingered G chord, Cadd9, Dsus for so many songs. If it is just the guitar and originally in G, OK maybe. Why move the capo around just so you can play those chords. And why on ever living earth do they do it when there is a keyboard or second guitar that plays the correct (non Cadd9, Dsus) chords as written! Is this a Starbucks all the kids are doing it even if it sounds bad thing?

It can't be to make it easier to change chords, because it really isn't. One guy I have seen plays all his chords with his third and fourth finger on the third fret, first and second strings.

[flatbutt]

Is it part of a G D Em progression?

[flipper35]

Usually GCD, Em, Am. Why do they capo the guitar to play those chords? If it is in A, play ADE instead of capo 2?

[oldE]

I play solo gigs and will play some or all of those chords on "More Than Words " and "Wish You Were Here "
With some songs it sounds good . But I don't play them on every song.

Best
Les

[flipper35]

That I can totally understand, especially on some acoustics it can really brighten it up and from an artistic standpoint I can see it on some songs. Some are actually written that way as well, just why every song, even in different keys.

[Cajundaddy]

Depends on the song and the guitarist. It does add a more complex harmonic content that suits a specific style but if used every song, somebody need to up their game. It would be like using a chorus or flange on every song. Eesh!

[flatbutt]

chek her G, I think it's a G

[wildthing]

It changes the quality of the chord - at least for the G with the D on the 5th string instead of an open B. A sus chord adds the instability that makes us anticipate a resolution to the regular triad, because the note is the 7th...

Th 9th just adds texture or color to the regular triad or the major 7th, common in jazz.

Originally Posted by flatbutt

chek her G, I think it's a G

My teacher called it a rock n roll G. It's how I learned to play it.

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

Depends on the song and the guitarist. It does add a more complex harmonic content that suits a specific style but if used every song, somebody need to up their game. It would be like using a chorus or flange on every song. Eesh!

It's bad when the keyboard and other guitar are not playing the add9 and sus.

[Cajundaddy]

Originally Posted by peteremsley

why is so much country music half a step down?

Because Jimi, EVH, and SRV were right. The all tuned down 1/2 step during their careers. I prefer to tune 1/2 step down every chance I get. Less tension on the strings so full step bends don't result in bloody fingers and the guitar just sounds better to my ears. A side benefit is that reaching those high vocal passages is just a bit easier.

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by wildthing

It changes the quality of the chord - at least for the G with the D on the 5th string instead of an open B. A sus chord adds the instability that makes us anticipate a resolution to the regular triad, because the note is the 7th...

Th 9th just adds texture or color to the regular triad or the major 7th, common in jazz.

It does, you can have a double third or double fifth or dampen the 5th string and not double up. The G I get, the others I don't, especially when you put a capo on specifically to play those chords.

For sus chords the first song I think of is Classical Gas from Mason Williams.

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

Because Jimi, EVH, and SRV were right. The all tuned down 1/2 step during their careers. I prefer to tune 1/2 step down every chance I get. Less tension on the strings so full step bends don't result in bloody fingers and the guitar just sounds better to my ears. A side benefit is that reaching those high vocal passages is just a bit easier.

Fireflight plays a lot in drop C#.

[Cajundaddy]

Originally Posted by flipper35

Fireflight plays a lot in drop C#.

Lots of Death Metal bands using 7 string and extreme drop tunings. They are exploring new territory but not my cup-o-tea.

[flipper35]

A friend of mine plays in a B tuning. What is that, 5 steps down?

[ledhedsymbols]

Originally Posted by flipper35

I know this has been a trend a long time, but I see it more and more often now different places.

Why do so many play the 4 fingered G chord, Cadd9, Dsus for so many songs. If it is just the guitar and originally in G, OK maybe. Why move the capo around just so you can play those chords. And why on ever living earth do they do it when there is a keyboard or second guitar that plays the correct (non Cadd9, Dsus) chords as written! Is this a Starbucks all the kids are doing it even if it sounds bad thing?

It can't be to make it easier to change chords, because it really isn't. One guy I have seen plays all his chords with his third and fourth finger on the third fret, first and second strings.

I think lots play the four finger "Big G" and Cadd9 because the transition is so easy. The Dsus2 and Dsus4 are fairly easy ways to add some texture. Move the capo, and you can change keys without Barre chords and all that hard stuff.

That's my opinion as a hack guitarist!

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by ledhedsymbols

I think lots play the four finger "Big G" and Cadd9 because the transition is so easy. The Dsus2 and Dsus4 are fairly easy ways to add some texture. Move the capo, and you can change keys without Barre chords and all that hard stuff.

That's my opinion as a hack guitarist!

Sure, if you are playing in Bflat or something.

Like I mentinoed above, it is really grating then the keyboard is playing the music as written and the guitar is going all trendy.

I don't see a big G to Cadd9 any easier than a pinky G to C.

I guess I am a chord snob, especially in an ensemble.

If it is one guy on a barstool at a club, go for it.

[oldE]

Originally Posted by flipper35

If it is one guy on a barstool at a club, go for it.

Hey! That's me!

Best
Les

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by oldE

Hey! That's me!

Best
Les

[ledhedsymbols]

Originally Posted by flipper35

Sure, if you are playing in Bflat or something.

Like I mentinoed above, it is really grating then the keyboard is playing the music as written and the guitar is going all trendy.

I don't see a big G to Cadd9 any easier than a pinky G to C.

I guess I am a chord snob, especially in an ensemble.

If it is one guy on a barstool at a club, go for it.

Maybe I misunderstood the question. I will say that for a less accomplished player, big G to Cadd9 is stone cold simple.

Now... Think of how many pop/rock songs are simple G-C-D progressions.

All you need is to move your fretting fingers 1 and 2 up or down on the E, A and D strings.

Super easy right?

Now, let's say you need to change keys for whatever reason. Too high or low for your voice. Maybe the song uses the same progression but in a different key. All you have to do is move the capo, and there you are...

I have a friend who is a decent guitarist that uses some of these tricks. Thing is, he believes his voice is his 1st instrument and the guitar is just the accompaniment. If it's easier, sounds OK and gets his voice to the fore, that's all he's looking for.

I guess I always viewed it as a way to make playing guitar easier if you were mostly trying to accompany your voice.

Are you asking a different question? Maybe I missed the context.