Open String Chord Voicings

One of the things that makes the guitar different than other instruments is the fact that you can incorporate open strings into chord voicings and scales creating rich, open sounds. Notice how you can make a simple major scale sound more interesting just by replacing some of the notes with the same notes played on the open strings. Let the notes ring as long as possible:

While the minor two-fives in the exercise below are perfect for Jazz, the other voicings will work well for any style. Try the chords below and try to find ways to get them into your playing.