Pioneering 7-string guitar legend George Van Eps used to say that guitarists play too many notes in their chords. Taking the maestro's cue I'll address three approaches to chordal playing which are a nice alternative to the standard block chord approach. You'll find that a few block chords mixed in as a varied approach are always refreshing.

For me, the most useful concept for improvising solo fingerstyle guitar consists of 2-line counterpoint with an occasional 3rd note to help complete the harmonic picture. Try this on your own by playing your favorite swing or bebop lines with the addition of a half note bass line below it.

Secondly I've included two examples of 3, 4 and 5-note chords. Still, the texture is light and open. Generally you'll see a bass note with an important chord tone or tones above it, all beneath an eighth-note based melodic line.

Lastly I've included two examples of inner-line motion, which I've covered in the previous month's columns. When I improvise solo guitar, these are the three basic concepts I rely on most often. I combine them frequently, sometimes in the same phrase.

I've chosen a very popular chord progression to illustrate these concepts; I-IV-III-VI-II-V-I. This chord pattern and its many variations can be seen in hundreds of standard tunes and is a logical extension of the common III-VI-II-V-I progression. Take note of any chromatic activity (half step motion) that occurs. Chromaticism was a big favorite of George Van Eps and for good reason; it's as natural as a flowing stream.

Play the examples with a relaxed swing feeling. Hold notes for their full duration as legato phrasing adds to the effortless quality we are all looking for in our music. If an awkward fingering is suggested, it's always in the interest of getting a fuller chord. I highly recommend the Harmonic Mechanism books by George Van Eps, published by Mel Bay Publications. Van Eps' exercises will run your hands through just about every conceivable fingering situation. I adapted many of the exercises in those books to the 7-string guitar, which really helped me learn how to approach the instrument.

I hope that these exercises will inspire and help you improve your improv of solo fingerstyle guitar.

Happy practicing and playing!

Steve Herberman