Open String EVIL Dissonance

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In this video, we’re going to explore a really cool way to create dissonant sounds on the guitar using simple power chords and open drone strings.

The technique is simple:

You’ll play power chords while allowing an open string to ring continuously underneath the chords. The result is a tense, aggressive, atmospheric sound that can add a lot of texture and personality to your rhythm guitar playing.

In the opening example, I used a basic power chord shape on the 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings while allowing the open low E string to ring the entire time.

Basic Idea 

Use Power Chords on strings 5,4,3  and keep the low E string ringing

As I moved the chord shape around the neck, I would periodically return to the open low E string and pluck it again to keep the drone effect going.

You can play the low E string:

  • Constantly in a rhythmic pattern
  • Occasionally for subtle tension
  • Aggressively for a heavier sound
  • Sparingly for atmosphere

It’s completely up to you.

Why This Sounds Dissonant

The reason this technique sounds so intense is because the open E note often clashes with the notes inside the moving power chords.

That clash creates:

  • Dissonance
  • Tension
  • Texture
  • Atmosphere
  • Aggression

Normally, guitar players try to avoid “wrong” sounding notes. But in this case, the dissonance is the entire point.

When used intentionally, harsh sounds can become incredibly musical.

The “Pedal Tone” Effect

This technique is often called using a pedal tone or drone

Because the open string never changes while the chords move around it, your ear hears both stability and instability at the same time.

That contrast creates a unique sound that shows up in:

  • Rock
  • Metal
  • Alternative music
  • Soundtracks
  • Experimental guitar playing

Using the Open A String Instead

You can also use the open A string as a drone.

The shape changes slightly because of the string layout, but the concept stays exactly the same.

Instead of using a full three-finger power chord shape, you can simplify things and use only two fingers while letting the open A string ring underneath.

This creates a completely different flavor of tension and resonance.

Why This Technique Is Useful

This is a great technique for:

  • Adding texture to riffs
  • Creating darker chord progressions
  • Writing atmospheric rhythm parts
  • Making simple power chords sound more advanced
  • Understanding unusual guitar sounds in songs

Sometimes when you’re learning a song, you hear a strange or mysterious sound that’s difficult to figure out.

Very often, the guitarist is simply allowing an open string to ring underneath fretted chords.

That small detail can dramatically change the overall sound.

Experiment With Different Chords

Try experimenting with:

  • Major shapes
  • Minor shapes
  • Power chords
  • Sliding chord movements
  • Fast rhythmic patterns
  • Slow atmospheric playing

Some combinations will sound smooth.
Others will sound harsh and unstable.

Both can be useful.

Final Thoughts

Dissonance is not always a bad thing.

If you intentionally control it, dissonance can become one of the most powerful tools in your rhythm guitar playing.

Using open drone strings with moving power chords is an easy way to create:

  • Heavier riffs
  • More emotional textures
  • Unique sounds
  • Greater musical tension
Experiment with different open strings, different chord shapes, and different rhythms to discover sounds that fit your own style.
How To Sound Professional on Rhythm Guitar
Check out the video here.

If you are looking to learn another excellent rhythm guitar skill, you can check out my FREE lesson on how to weave lead guitar melody lines to your rhythm guitar playing at https://rhythmguitarlessons.net/Pro

Have you ever heard extra notes played between chords and wondered, "Why do THESE notes sound good?" or, "How can I do that?"

Most guitar players struggle to find the right notes to play between chords to make their songs sound better.

The fact is, it's easy to do once you learn how. And the result is your guitar playing sounds much more complex than it is...

This is good news for you:

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How To Sound Professional on Rhythm Guitar

About Mark Turko: Mark Turko is a professional guitar player and instructor with over 30 years of experience and teaches guitar lessons online.