Description
Alternating tones in a chord voicing has always been a great way to take a simple idea to a new place. Jack Johnson's use of this technique again, takes an easy idea on the guitar and gives it a new harmonic voice.
The strumming pattern switches between a 5, power chord voicing to a Dominant 7 voicing in each chord; alternating between the key of B and A major. The end of the progression takes a chromatic movement of Dominant 7 chords and resolves back to the B7. Each chord is played for one bar, switching between the two voices.
When being used in a song-writing format, this allows for more interesting vocal lines as well as adding more possibility for other instrumentation. Played with a pick, the strumming pattern and alternating chords creates a lively progression to add to any song or jam session.
A similar technique can be heard in Jack Johnson's song, "Sitting Waiting Wishing."
Lesson Info
