Favorite Chords on the Guitar

There are some chords I just love to use.

They are not always appropriate but it’s so satisfying when I can squeeze one in. In this post I’m going to show you a few of my favorites and some of the chords they match well with.

Em9

Sounds like: The F# being right next to the G gives it a little more dissonance but used in conjunction with the right chords it blends well together.

Works especially well with

Try it: Great I Am by New Life Worship is a great example of how these chords can blend well but add a little more character. Swap out the D Em7 and D2/B with D11 Em9 and Bm11.

b5

Sounds Like: a jazzy transition from the 1major to 2m or 5major to 6m. You'll notice there are no open strings so it is movable. In the position showed above it would be a A#b5 and would be a passing chord between Amajor and Bm.

Works well with: any song where it doesn't clash with the melody.

Try it with: What A Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship. On the first line of the bridge you hold an A for a full measure before transitioning to the Bm. Try adding the A#b5 on beat 3 over the word 'silence". It might throw your ear for a second but give it a chance. If you are playing with a band you'll obviously have to coordinate this with them otherwise it will sound terrible.

Dadd9

Sounds like: an open alternative to D2. Playing the higher voiced F# before the open D in the strum gives it a unique sound.

Works well with: Any song in the key of D with a transition between a D and Bm7 or D2/B.

Try it with: Glory To Glory by Bethel Music. You can slide from the Bm7 position into the Dadd9 for a nice effect.

Worship songs are written to be playable which is why they often default to common voicings. If you can get creative while still maintaining the integrity of the song it will be a nice boost to your fingers and your congregation's ears. Don't be afraid to get creative in practice! What's the worst that can happen?