Non-Melodic Chords

Non-Melodic Chords

Last session we learned how to base our power chord progressions on the major and minor scale. Before we move on to melodic chords (a chord that is major or minor) we should learn about other non-melodic chords, similar to the power chord. Remember, non-melodic chords are immune to the flow of major and minor within a key–this makes them easy to use and move.

5^th (Power Chord) Plus Octave

Our first example is an extension on the power chord. If you are playing a power chord on Low E, fret 5,and A, fret 7, you would add D, fret 7 with your pinky. This new note is an octave. In some situations the 5^th will be excluded and musicians make chord movements and melodies with octaves alone.

4ths

These chords are a great alternative to the overused power chord. If your root is on Low E, fret 5, you would add the A string, fret 5 on top of the root. 4ths are best done by barring–playing two or more notes with one finger. Your first finger should play both strings. If this is too difficult, use your middle finger for the 4^th. This chord can also be fuller by adding the octave on D, fret 7 with your pinky.

Root-5th-9th

Considering this chord entirely non-melodic is incorrect. The reason it works similarly to the power chord and 4^th is because this chord, by itself, could be formed from notes in both the major and minor scales. Controversy begins when you begin moving the chord. The results will sound good, but are academically odd. Further conversation about the nature of this chord would be pointless right now, just know you can move it freely like a power chord and your results will be good, but slightly outside the recommendation of theory. I don’t think either of us should lose any sleep over it, it is just good to know.

This chord is made by playing a normal power chord. If your chord begins on Low E, fret 5, your ninth would be on D, fret 9 using your pinky. This is a unusually large stretch.

Its called a ninth because it is one position up from the octave in a scale. The octave is the 8^th position in an ascending scale. Octave (8^th) is the root so the ninth is an octave up from the 2^nd interval in a scale. The Police and Sting use this chord shape on a couple of their hits: “Message In A Bottle” (main phrase) is one.

Tip

Many songs are just 3 or 4 power chords bashed together. A simple alternative to this rut is to mix power chords with our 4ths and other chord shapes. Basically, if your first chosen chord is a power chord, try using a 4^th for you next chord choice. You can even do a power chord then turn the same chord into a 4^th, all in one measure.

Please Note: This articles assumes you know what to do with these chords. If you don’t, read my first article.

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