Play the triads E, A and B on the DGB strings (the black dots only from Figures 5, 7 & 8). Notice how closely connected they sound, ideal for a second guitar part, an intro or a melodic breakdown section of a song. This will also help you see chord tones for lead playing.
Embellishments
As we are only using 3 strings there are lots of ways to embellish the chords. For example, try adding a common tone such as a B note (7th fret high E string) throughout all 3 chords as highlighted by the blue circle in Figures 5, 7 & 8. Listen to the way in which that same note ties the chords together.
Now let’s add a static bass note, let the open low E string sustain through all 3 chords as highlighted by the red circle in Figures 5, 7 & 8. Notice how this changes the mood of the chord progression, opening it up making it sound less like a traditional I-IV-V, less blues like.
Find your own common tones and embellishments, explore all the CAGED chord shapes and make navigating the neck part of your practice, so you will never get stuck playing the same barre chord shape again!
For more on CAGED rhythm playing check out:
Chord Navigator 1: CAGED Triads
Chord Naviator 2: CAGED 7th's
Chord Navigator 3: CAGED Embellishments (Coming Soon!)
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