Most guitar players learn a handful of open chords and stop there. But chords go well beyond G, C, and D. Each chord type — suspended, seventh, ninth, altered — gives you a different sound and a different tool for expressing yourself on the guitar.
This guide breaks down the major chord types you’ll encounter as you move past basic open shapes. Knowing when to reach for a sus chord versus a 7th chord versus a 9th is what separates a rhythm player from a musician.
Suspended Chords
Suspended chords replace the third of a chord with either the second (sus2) or the fourth (sus4). That missing third gives them their open, unresolved sound — they’re neither major nor minor, which makes them surprisingly versatile.
You can use them as substitutes for major or minor chords, or to add movement between chord changes. Our suspended chords guide walks you through sus2, sus4, and sus9 voicings with video instruction and chord diagrams.
7th Chords
Adding a seventh to a basic triad opens up a whole range of harmonic colors. There are several types, and each has a distinct flavor.
The dominant 7th chord is the backbone of blues and country guitar. It has a built-in tension that wants to resolve, which is why it drives so many classic progressions. If you play blues, these are non-negotiable.
Major 7th chords have a smoother, more sophisticated quality that’s essential for jazz. Our jazz guitar chords lesson shows you how to start with major 7th shapes and build your jazz chord vocabulary from there.
Extended and Altered Chords
Once you’re comfortable with 7th chords, extended harmonies are the next step — chords that stack additional notes beyond the seventh.
9th chords add the ninth on top of a 7th chord, creating a rich sound used in funk, R&B, soul, and jazz. They’re fuller than 7th chords but not as dense as 11ths or 13ths, making them a great entry point into extended harmony. If you want to focus on one specific shape, our guide to playing the D9 chord covers the fingering details and the common fourth-string muting problem that trips up most players.
The Hendrix chord (the 7#9) is probably the most famous altered chord in rock guitar. It’s a dominant 7th with a sharp 9th — that aggressive, biting sound from “Purple Haze” and countless blues-rock recordings.
Chord Voicings and Inversions
Chord types aren’t just about which notes you play — they’re also about how you arrange those notes on the fretboard.
Chord inversions rearrange the order of notes in a chord so a different note sits in the bass. The same three notes can produce completely different textures depending on which one is lowest. You’re already playing inversions every time you strum a barre chord — you just might not realize it.
Exploring E minor chord variations shows how a single chord can be voiced in many different ways across the neck. Moving beyond the standard open position gives you options for different sounds, registers, and fingerpicking textures.
Where to Go from Here
Start with the chord types closest to what you already play. If you know open chords, try suspended chords next. If you play blues, dominant 7ths are your next move. If you want a more sophisticated sound, explore jazz voicings and inversions.
Other areas worth exploring:
- Beginner Chords – If you’re still building your foundation
- Power Chords – Simple two-note shapes for rock and metal
- Open Chord Techniques – Add embellishments and movement to your basic shapes
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