I downloaded some tablature for a Beatles song that I ran across at the folk guitar circle last week. For reference, the folk guitar circle experience typically follows this flow path: * I do not know this song * Wait, that guy seems to be playing D - G * I can totally fake it * Wow, that guy is NOT playing D - G * People are beginning to look at me * Perhaps I will sit here quietly and listen.
Anyway, I look at the tablature and there's all these crazy variants of the G. I know four chords and really don't have any interest in learning a fifth one, but I figured I would try them out anyway.
These sixths, sevenths, suspendeds, and whatnot look thusly: [x20030], [x20032] , [x20002] , etc. making them different from G major which looks like this: [320033]
I try strumming each of these up against a G major and guess what? I can't hear a difference. All those years of listening to Slayer at peak volume finally pay off - if I can't hear the difference, why bother? Just play the G major. Now I know most people can hear the difference, but I don't care about what they think as long as I'm happy.
In summary, four chords are plenty, and the Beatles were just showing off.
In D - G we trust.
Friday, May 1, 2009
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