Four-Note Guitar Chords: Sixth, Seventh and Add9 Voicings

Mastering Four-Note Guitar Chords

Key Points to Remember

• Four-note chords provide a richer and more complex harmonic foundation.
• Understanding their structure helps improve your ability to compose and improvise.
• Common four-note chords include sixth, major seventh, minor seventh, and dominant seventh variations.
• Variations like add9 and half-diminished chords expand your musical palette.

Why Four-Note Guitar Chords Matter

If you’ve been playing guitar for a while, you may have noticed that basic triads can only take you so far. That’s where four-note chords come into play. These chords, adding an extra note to the usual root, third, and fifth, open up new textures and harmonic possibilities. Think of them as the foundation of jazz, blues, and pop harmonies. After all, the smooth sound of a major seventh chord or the tension in a dominant seventh is what gives so many songs their character.

Guitarists from Wes Montgomery to John Mayer have relied on these chords to create signature sounds. But understanding them isn’t just about memorizing shapes. Knowing their construction will help you use them more effectively in your playing.

Breaking Down Essential Four-Note Chords

Let’s go through some of the most useful four-note guitar chords and their structures:

• C6 (Sixth Chord): This one consists of a major triad (root, third, fifth) plus a sixth. You’ll hear it a lot in jazz and swing music, often replacing a simple major chord to add warmth.
• C Minor 6: Almost identical to C6, but with a minor third instead of a major third. If you’ve ever played a bossa nova progression, you’ve probably come across this one.
• C Major 7: A favorite in jazz and pop ballads, this chord builds on a major triad by adding the major seventh, creating a dreamy, unresolved feel.
• C Minor 7: Swap the major third for a minor third, and lower the seventh by a half step. This chord is everywhere in blues and funk, giving a laid-back groove.
• C Minor 7 Flat 5 (Half-Diminished Chord): A minor seven chord with a flattened fifth, this one has a more mysterious, unresolved quality and often appears in jazz progressions.
• C Add9: A bright and open-sounding chord that adds the ninth degree while omitting the seventh. It’s commonly used in acoustic pop and folk music.
• C Dominant 7: If you play blues, rock, or funk, this chord is essential. It combines a major triad with a flattened seventh, creating the tension that makes dominant chords so powerful.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Many beginners struggle with finger placement and clarity when learning four-note chords. It’s tempting to press down too hard, but that can lead to unnecessary tension in your hand. Instead, focus on proper finger positioning and minimal pressure. Your fingers should land directly behind the frets for the cleanest sound.

Another frequent mistake is neglecting muting unwanted strings. Unlike power chords, four-note chords often require careful muting techniques to avoid unwanted ringing notes. Try using your index finger to lightly touch adjacent strings that shouldn’t be played.

Teaching Tip: Integrating Four-Note Chords into Your Practice

• Start by isolating each chord and practicing it in a cycle of fourths (Cmaj7 → Fmaj7 → Bbmaj7, etc.).
• Use them in real songs: try substituting a Cmaj7 for a C major in any pop ballad.
• Listen to classic tracks that feature these chords, like The Beatles’ “Something” (major seventh chords) or Stevie Ray Vaughan’s blues progressions (dominant sevenths).
• If you struggle to remember their structures, visualize them as triads with an extra color tone. It helps internalize their sound and function.

Expanding Your Chord Vocabulary

Mastering four-note guitar chords is more than just memorizing shapes, it’s about understanding how they fit into the bigger picture of harmony and songcraft. Whether you’re drawn to the smooth sophistication of jazz, the soulful depth of blues, or the lush textures of pop, these chords will elevate your playing and songwriting.

Start experimenting with them today, and you’ll soon find yourself hearing music in a whole new way.