CHORD TONE SOLOING (Level 2) 


Chord tone soloing is an essential technique for guitarists that brings a strong melodic and harmonic connection to your guitar playing. By targeting specific chord tones, especially the 3rd, your solos will feel more connected to the chords.

In this article, we'll focus on how to target the 3rd in your solos and provide a practical approach using the chord progression Bm - D - F#m - G as an example.


UNDERSTANDING THE 3RD IN CHORD TONE SOLOING

The 3rd of a chord is what defines its major or minor quality:

  • Major 3rd: Four frets (or semitones) above the root note, giving a bright, uplifting sound.
  • Minor 3rd: Three frets above the root note, creating a darker, more melancholic sound.

HOW TO FIND THE 3RD ON THE GUITAR

To find the 3rd of any chord on the guitar, all you need to do is:

  1. Locate the root note of the chord you're playing over.

  2. Move up:

    • 3 frets for a minor chord.
    • 4 frets for a major chord.

To watch me go more in detail on chord tone soloing, watch the video below. 

SOLOING IDEAS AND TIPS

Now that you know how to find the 3rd for each chord, here are a few ways to apply it in your solos:

  1. Target the 3rd in your phrasing: When the chord changes, land on or emphasize the 3rd to create a strong harmonic connection. For example, over the Bm chord, try resolving to the D note (the 3rd), and over the D major chord, target the F# note (the 3rd).

  2. Combine scales with chord tones: You can play scales like the B minor pentatonic over the progression but make sure to hit the 3rd of each chord as the progression changes. This makes your solo feel more connected to the chords rather than just floating above them.

  3. Smooth transitions: When moving between chords, find ways to link the 3rds. For example, moving from the D (the 3rd of Bm) to the F# (the 3rd of D) creates a melodic flow.

  4. Add expression: Use techniques like bends, slides, or vibrato to emphasize the 3rd. For instance, over the G chord, you could bend from the A note to the B (the 3rd) to add an expressive touch.

And if you would like to learn from me in person, click the link below to get a free introductory lesson!