Indie and singer-songwriter music asks less of the fingers than it does of taste. The chords are usually simple; what makes them sound personal is the voicing, the tuning and how the accompaniment sits under a voice.
Chords with drone strings
Many indie and acoustic songs keep two strings ringing while the other fingers move. With the ring and pinky fingers fixed on the third fret of the B and high E strings, G, Cadd9, Dsus4 and Em7 share the same top notes, so the chords blend into each other. A capo moves the whole set into the singer's key without changing a single shape.
Open tunings and partial chords
- Open tunings: DADGAD, open D and open G let the open strings carry the harmony; the alternate tunings guide plays each one.
- Partial chords: two or three strings of a chord, played higher up the neck, give electric indie parts their thin, chiming sound.
- Effects: reverb and delay for space, a fuzz or overdrive pedal for louder sections; the pedals guide explains the order.
Fingerpicking
Travis picking keeps an alternating bass with the thumb while the fingers pick melody notes on top. Once the thumb runs on its own, a single chord shape turns into a full accompaniment. The fingerstyle lessons page goes further.
Playing while you sing
The accompaniment has to run without thought before the voice goes on top. Lessons break it down: the strumming or picking pattern alone, then speaking the words in rhythm over it, then singing. Songs with one steady pattern come first.
How lessons approach it
Bring your songs, covers or your own. Bill writes out the parts, starting with the chords and pattern that carry the song, and helps arrange your own material for guitar. Writing your own songs is covered on the songwriting lessons page, and students can record at the studio.
Questions
Do I need to read music to play singer-songwriter songs?
No. Chord charts, tab and listening carry most of this music. Reading helps later, when you want to write parts down for other players.
How do I find the right key for my voice?
Try the song with a capo at different frets until the highest and lowest notes sit comfortably, then keep the same chord shapes at that fret.
