Exploring the Impossibilities of Guitar Chords

For many guitarists, the quest for the perfect sound can push the boundaries of what seems possible on a standard guitar. Some chords, with their intricate combinations of notes, can appear almost impossible to play. While this might seem like a limitation, there are a plethora of techniques and approaches that can be employed to create even the most challenging sounds.

Challenges of Playing Complex Chords on a Guitar

The standard guitar only has six strings, making it inherently limiting when it comes to playing chords with a wide range of notes. Any chord with more than six notes is, by nature, impossible to play on the guitar without some form of compromise. Many strings must play more than one note, and certain extensions, such as the 9th, require musicians to "replace" notes that would be easier to play on a piano or other instrument. This can result in a significant loss of clarity and tone.

The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night"

The opening chord of The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" is a prime example of this challenge. George Harrison plays an F add9 on his 12-string Rickenbacker, but the chord's depth is further enhanced by additional notes from Paul McCartney's bass, along with George Martin's piano sustain pedal. This blending of multiple instruments creates a rich and complex sound that is seemingly impossible to replicate with a single guitar.

Techniques and Substitutions: Making "Impossible" Chords Possible

While the standard guitar might seem like a limiting instrument, alternative techniques and tunings can open up a world of possibilities. By using different chord voicings and substituting certain notes, musicians can create sounds that would otherwise be impossible. Omitting notes, such as the 5th or the root, can often preserve the harmonic character of a chord. In a jazz context, where extended chords are frequently played, this technique is especially valuable.

Alternative Tunings and Extended Chords

One way to overcome the six-string limitation is through alternative tunings. This technique allows guitarists to tune their instruments in ways that facilitate the playing of complex chords. For instance, dropping the bottom E string to D can create a D harmonic minor scale, opening up the possibility to play certain extended chords with greater ease. Seven, eight, or more string guitars are another option, but these are far less common and less cost-effective for most musicians.

Additionally, the judicious use of chord voicings and substitutions can turn what might seem like an impossible chord into a perfectly playable one. Jazz guitarists, in particular, are adept at this practice. They understand that the 5th can often be omitted without altering the fundamental character of a chord. Similarly, the root can sometimes be implied by the context, making it unnecessary to play. Other notes that might be difficult to play can be covered by other instruments in the ensemble, such as the bass or keyboard.

Conclusion

While it's true that some chords on the guitar can seem almost impossible to play, there are numerous techniques and approaches that can help overcome these challenges. Whether through alternative tunings, judicious voicings, or substitutions, the standard six-string guitar can be made to produce an astonishingly wide range of sounds. So, if you're feeling daunted by those complex chords, don't give up just yet. With a little creativity and experimentation, you may find that the impossible is far from unachievable.