Below is the lesson for “Daybreak” by Rock Class 101.

Helpful Tips

Discover the magic of “open chords” in this strumming etude that’s played entirely with the thumb. At its simplest definition, an “open chord” is any chord that contains at least one open string. Now that definition tends to leave us feeling a bit let down. Thus the magic of open chords is not how they’re defined, but how they’re used.

This composition demonstrates the two biggest advantages of open chords. The first being the ability to add color tones to relatively diatonic, simple chord progressions. Secondly, they allow us to break away from playing chord shapes only in the beginning of the neck (frets 0-3).

Now I realize the above points are summarized without explanation, so be sure to watch the intro of the lesson video as I expand on both points in greater detail.

P.S. Click HERE to learn more about open chords, why they sound so beautiful, and how they can add a splash of color to your chord progressions!