Exploring Unusual Guitar Chords: The Weirdest Sounds

Are you a guitarist looking to expand your tonal palette? Delve into the world of unconventional guitar chords that can produce some of the most unsettling and fascinating sounds. This article will introduce you to some of the weirdest-sounding chords, including diminished seventh chords, augmented chords, and extended chords with added 7/9, tritone stacks, and other unique voicings.

Diminished Seventh Chord: A Tense and Dissonant Sound

The diminished seventh chord is often considered one of the weirdest and most dissonant sounds on the guitar. It consists of a series of minor thirds stacked on top of each other. For example, a C diminished seventh chord would contain the notes C, E, F, and A. This chord can create a tense and unsettling feel, making it perfect for adding drama and dissonance to your music.

To play a C diminished seventh chord, you can use the following fingering:

e---3---
B---2---
G---1---
D---2---
A-------
E-------

Experiment with different positions and fingerings to create varied and interesting sounds. This chord is versatile and can be moved to different starting frets, allowing you to explore its dissonant qualities in various musical contexts.

Augmented Chords: Dreamy and Otherworldly

Alternatively, augmented chords can also create a dreamy and otherworldly feel. These chords are formed by stacking a major third on top of a major third. For example, a C augmented chord consists of C, E, and G notes. If you're feeling adventurous, try playing it this way:

e---4---
B---5---
G---5---
D---5---
A-------
E-------

These chords can add a sense of mystery and ethereal quality to your music. Experiment with different voicings and positions to capture the dreamy and otherworldly sounds these chords can produce.

Extended Chords and Modified Voicings

For some of the weirdest sounds, explore extended chords and modified voicings. Here are a few examples:

7/9 Chord: Try playing the chord as follows: E-0, A-7, D-6, G-7, B-8, E-0. This chord can add a complex and rich texture to your music. Tritone Stacking: Use a tritone stack for a unique and unsettling sound. For example, play E-7, A-8, D-9, G-10, B-0. Em/A5 Voicing: Experiment with this interesting chord: E-0, B-0, G-0, D-7, A-7, E-5. D6 and D7 with Harmonics: Play D6 and D7 with harmonics at fret 7, then switch to fret 12 for a unique harmonic effect. Note that the harmonics on fret 7 usually don't produce dominant tones of the written pitch, so alternating with fret 12 can provide interesting results.

These chords and voicings can provide a unique and unsettling sound to your music. They are perfect for adding a touch of mystery and drama, especially when playing darker or more experimental music.

Unique Chord Voicings and Personal Favorites

Of course, personal favorites can vary. For instance, Ringo, a guitarist, mentioned using a F demented chord that sounded particularly unsettling. Another favorite was a unique chord that seemed to invoke a sense of fear or suspense. A combination of notes on the top four strings (D, G, B, and E) played at the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th frets produced a rootless A139 chord. This voicing, played slowly, gave an eerie arpeggiated sound that was perfect for dramatic moments in music, such as answering the phone in a soap opera and hearing a long-dead spouse's voice.

This chord, with the notes G, CDb, FGb, and C, could be used in a variety of settings. It has a haunting quality that can make your music seem more intense and unsettling. Try experimenting with different voicings and playing styles to find the perfect sound for your music.

Conclusion

Exploring unusual guitar chords can add a new dimension to your music. From tense dissonant diminished seventh chords to dreamy augmented chords, to unique extended chords, the possibilities are endless. Whether you're looking to create dramatic effects or unique textures, these chords can help you achieve your musical goals. So, don't be afraid to experiment and make your music stand out.