Chords that are labelled (add 5)

The two chords (320033) and (320003) are essentially the same chord, in that they both have all the same tones (Root, 3rd, & 5th) being played in them, and no other intervals are present (such as a 7th, etc) or being ommitted (such as in a "power chord" which usually contains only the root and 5th, and omits the 3rd).

However, obviously the two chords do have a slightly different sound/feel to them, and if one were to use both chords in the same song, they may want to specify which version to play at the appropriate time. I tend to use both versions a lot, and it depends a lot on what chords I'm coming from or going to next. For example, if I'm going from G to F, I tend to play the more traditional 320003 G chord with my last three fingers, since it'll take a little less effort to move my hand from that position to a barred F chord. But if I'm going from G to D, I might play 320033, since my ring finger on the 2nd string 3rd fret will stay there when I play the D.

But there will be times when you may want the chord to sound a certain way, and so you'll want to play it that way even if it's harder to transition to/from another chord.

I can see why a Gadd5 (320033) would be used instead of a simple G (320003) chord name. In the traditional G chord, the 2nd string is open, so it is a B note (the 3rd interval in the key of G). But in the add5 version, the 2nd string is at the 3rd fret, making it now a D (the 5th interval). If there were no other 3rds present in the chord (there is - a B on the 5th string, 2nd fret) you would call this a G5, which means there is no 3rd. If, there were no other 5ths in the chord (there is - the D from the open 4ths string), this would be another variation of the G chord. But since you already have both the 3rd and the 5th elsewhere, you're "adding" another 5th, hence the Gadd5 nomenclature. But normally you don't say "addX" just because that note is present more than once. If you have two 3rds, you don't say "add3". But because you're specifying between two variations of the same chord, I can see why you might use that name for it. I don't think I've ever heard of an "add5" being used in any official terminology, though.

This chord contains a root, third and fifth. I would call this chord simply G. Here is a diagram with the chord tones labeled:

The conventional open G chord fingering also has a fifth in it so I don't see the need to distinguish the above G chord in this confusing way. Here is a diagram of the conventional open G chord with chord tones labeled:

You are likely familiar with bar chords played with only the top two strings. Those are abbreviated power chords. Chords are made up of three notes as already posted above. Those three notes are called a triad (root, third and fifth). You can find chord books on Amazon for $2.95. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=guitar+books+chords

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Hankelvis,

Thanks for the reply, unfortunately you have not answered my question, seeing how I've been playing guitar for 2-3 hours everyday for the past 20 years I am more than familiar with different chords, so your reasoning is erroneous. I am well aware of the fact that with this chord one is adding an extra 5th, what I do want to know is WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL NAMING CONVENTION FOR THIS CHORD, not what you guess it should be called. There has to be a way of differentiating this chord from the regular G chord. Also it is kinda of disgusting that you should suggest that I look to the world's worst retailer, what do you work for them?

Go out to your local independent music store and pay some tax so you can support your local infrastructure and not line Satan's pockets.

Thank you Montana, I had never heard of it either and didn't ever think to have to label it, but I got a student that I don't have to (and don't want to) write out chord charts, hence me having to find a solution.

thanks again,

q

Good question. Not sure about the naming, but the basic idea is that eliminating or de-emphasizing the third (usually by adding more fifths) makes the sound somewhat ambiguous. I've been referring to these as major/minor chords, because the sound is neither identifiably either major or minor.

A lot of guitarists (one example is Robert Fripp) use this sound to great effect.

Honestly, that chord does have a slang name for it. It's called the 'Big G' aka the all finger G. Don't really know what the 'standard definition' of it would be. I asked a pianist friend of mine and he said:

"When you just double the note you would not note it, it would still be just G. There is a way of notating what note you want on top, or bottom of the chord (inversion), but not in which octave."

So my advice, call it Big G. =) And don't take it from me, justinguitar.com has a page describing it as well.

Gadd5 or G(add5) I had never heard of it either but I did think to label it, as you did on your drawing above, but after reading all comments, I realize that, no matte how many root, fifths or third you add, still will be a basic G Chord, So I decide to call G (NOT BIG G) and also not (Gadd5 or G(add5)) beacuse there is no such of thin in music. But I will leave the extra fifth as an optional in a chord drawing. see example:

This will allow any student or teacher to have an option chord to teach or play, I think this will be the correct way to lable it. BUT, There is a problem, if I am not using a drawing how would I name it, if the Student doesn't see the optional fifth on (G chord) So, this will be a big problem, in this case I will call it G(add5) or why not G"add5" as a new option in music!!!! hey remember is music!!!!!!!