Which advanced chords can I use for a song composition in scale of G?

Question

I am making a song composition in a scale of G. I have already used major chords **G, C and D** and in some places I have used **Am, Em and Bm**. I would like to make this composition richer with some advanced chords? I am not a guitar expert. I know that we can add Gsus, Cadd9, etc but not sure about their exact application. So I wanted to check with you guys to know whether anything else can be added to make my composition better. If someone can provide with some thumb-rule or formula, that would be even better.

Answer 1

One of the nicest ways to enhance the tone and intrigue in your chord choices is to add various 7th chords to the mix. For example, in the key of G, you can convert the D to. D7. This will “pull” the pattern even more strongly to the G (known as the tonic). Here’s the 7th chord options in G major:

G maj 7 - G chord with an added F#

A min 7 - A minor chord with an added G

B min 7 - B chord with an added A

C maj 7 - C chord with an added B

D 7 - D chord with an added C

E min 7 - E chord with an added D

F# half-dim7 - F# diminished chord with an added E

Also, there’s what’s known as secondary dominants that can act as chords to “lead” you to a new key.

These are all thing we can discuss in greater detail if we work together for your lessons.

Answer 2

You might want to try a "temporary modulation" or secondary dominant chords. For example, you could use D, G, and then A7 (including the C#), creating the key of D for just a bit, then use the D7 to go back to G. This is one way to add a "breath of change" to your composition without a full modulation to another key.

Answer 3

Hi, you can always extend your chords with 7ths and tensions. For instance instead of C Major, you could use C Maj7, Maj9 or #11 as a tension if it is a proper place. Your A minor chord could have min 7th, 9th and 11th too. Still all diatonic tensions that can be found in the scale. Suspended and add 2 types of chords are great too.

Answer 4