Part 6: Let chords guide your first solo · Lesson 053 / 117
Stay on C and choose its third
Hear a different chord-tone destination before tracking several chords.
Return to a single C-major chord. Its notes are C, E and G. Instead of always resting on C, try holding E. E is the major third above the chord root C.
Make a one-bar phrase using E, G and E. Give the first two notes one beat each and the last E two beats. Every note belongs to the C triad, so the phrase outlines the chord even though it does not finish on the root.
Play the same rhythm ending on C and compare. Neither ending must be universally better. You are learning to choose a destination and describe it.
Keep the backing fixed during this session. Later we will choose thirds over changing chords, but hearing one third clearly is a sensible first step.
Hear it
Third Phrase
Audio fileFour-beat count-in · 60 BPM · Warm sampled electric guitar. Listen once before playing along.
A concrete example
Over C: E(1), G(1), E(2). E is the third, G the fifth. Alternative: E(1), G(1), C(2).
Try it, slowly
- Play the three chord tones separately.
- Play the E-ending phrase.
- Compare a C-ending version with the same rhythm and describe which destination you chose.
Check one idea
Must every settled chord-tone phrase finish on the chord root?
Show the explanation
No. This phrase can finish on E, the third of C. Its effect depends on context, but it still outlines a clear chord ingredient.
A good place to stop
You can deliberately choose root or third as an ending over one chord.
Return to the example after a short break. A clear explanation matters more than speed.