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Did you know you only need a few basic chord shapes to start playing R&B on guitar? When I first started out, I knew just three types of chord shapes—major 7, minor 7, and eventually, the diminished 7. Believe it or not, those were my bread and butter for gigs. If you master these shapes, you’ll be well on your way to sounding smooth and polished in no time. In this lesson, I’ll show you how to elevate these foundational shapes with a few advanced techniques to give your playing that real R&B feel.
1. Key of G Major: Start with the Basics
For this lesson, we’ll be playing in G major. Before we get into the advanced stuff, make sure you’re comfortable with the basic chord shapes: Major 7, minor 7, and diminished 7. If you need a refresher on these shapes, check out my other video here.
Now, let’s take it up a notch by modifying these shapes to add even more R&B flavor to your playing.
2. The iii Chord: Arpeggiation with a Twist
Instead of playing the standard iii chord, we’re going to raise the note with our ring finger by a half step. But here’s the trick: don’t just strum it – arpeggiate it. Break up the chord and play each note individually to add depth and texture. You can even upstroke with your middle finger for a smooth, sweeping sound.
- Focus on the B string when you arpeggiate.
- Try stopping on the B string before moving to the E string for a more delicate sound.
3. The IV Chord: Major 9 Shape
For the IV chord, switch it up by playing a Major 9 instead of the typical Major 7. This subtle change adds a modern R&B touch to your playing.
- Try hammering off on the G string while focusing on accenting the B string to make the chord pop.
- Experiment with adding a slight delay between plucking the B and G strings to create a soulful vibe
4. The ii Chord: Minor 11 for Extra Flavor
We’ll be swapping the regular minor 7 for a minor 11 chord. When playing this shape, I love to hammer off on the E string for that extra smooth feel. It’s a simple move that can make your playing sound more sophisticated without too much effort.
5. The vi Chord: A Sliding Technique
For the vi chord, instead of using a diminished shape, let’s add a sliding technique. Start by sliding from Eb to F, accenting the B string. This adds a unique movement to your playing that really makes the chord progression feel alive.
- Pluck the notes cleanly to emphasize the slide.
- Try incorporating this technique into your regular practice to make it second nature.
6. Putting It All Together
Now that we’ve walked through the chord shapes and techniques, let’s combine them. Start with your original major and minor 7 chords, and then begin adding the advanced chord shapes and techniques we’ve covered. This will help elevate your playing and give it that professional R&B sound.
Practice Routine:
Here’s a simple exercise to help lock in these new chord shapes and techniques:
- Set your metronome to 60 BPM.
- Practice transitioning between the iii chord (minor 7), IV chord (major 9), and ii chord (minor 11) while incorporating the arpeggiation and sliding techniques we discussed.
- Focus on clean, smooth transitions, and practice for 15 minutes a day to see real improvement.
Conclusion:
By making these small adjustments to your chord shapes and adding some simple techniques, you can take your R&B guitar playing to the next level. These advanced options will make you stand out and give your music a richer, more dynamic sound. Keep practicing, and soon enough, you’ll be hearing compliments from your audience or bandmates!
If you’re ready to truly elevate your guitar playing, why not join Kerry's Kamp, my online guitar community where I personally help you become a better guitarist? I'm offering an exclusive 14-day free trial where you'll receive a personalized curriculum based on your current skill level, access to a treasure trove of on-demand lessons, and a supportive community of fellow guitarists.
Plus, with your membership, you’ll get two live group lessons per week with me, where you can ask questions and receive real-time feedback. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, Kerry's Kamp is here to guide you every step of the way.