Two Note Chords As Fills

In this article, I will discuss putting two-note chord-sounding fills between chord changes. You can imply either a major or minor chord sound. I discussed the two-note implied chords in a previous article https://www.rhythmguitarlessons.net/two-note-chords. 

Here is a quick recap of the subject from the earlier article:

There are just two finger shapes that you can use to produce the implied major or minor chord sound. For a major sound, you will place one finger on the root and another on the major third. For minor, you will place one finger on the root and another on the minor third.

You can use these two-note shapes instead of single notes to play as fill-ins between chord changes. This produces a more melodic sound that is not a single-note sound and, yet, not quite a full chord sound. 

Follow these examples for the two shapes:

The first shape implies a G major sound: 

• One finger is on the D string at the 5th fret, and another is on the G string at the 4th fret. 

The second shape implies an A minor sound:

• Place one finger on the D string at the 7th fret and then add a different finger on the G string at the 5th fret. 

 To imply a B minor sound:

• Take the same shape as you did for the A minor sound and move it up two frets on the same strings (9th and 7th fret). 

  To imply a C major sound:

• Return to the first shape described for the G major sound and put your fingers on the 9th and 10th frets.    

In these examples, only the D and G strings are used. You can then easily play these shapes up and down the fretboard between the chords of a progression. It will sound different from a single note but not like a full chord. It really fattens up the sound.

         These two-note shapes can be used as fills or little melodic lines between chords. Once you get the shapes down, it becomes much easier to implement. It is an excellent way to add variety and spice to your playing without always playing single-note melody lines. Try it, and have fun with the sounds you can create!

Remember to always have fun with your guitar and I’ll see you next time…

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 here: https://rhythmguitarlessons.net/Pro

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