"It's Eminor"

[Depth_Charge]

We jammed a new song and someone hit a bum chord so we stopped and the lead guitarist tells us the progression again (which I got right) and he points to me saying "E Minor".

I said "I'm playing an open E" and he just scowls slightly and says "E minor!"

I don't have much theory behind me but I didn't think he meant Eb, so I said "OK, E minor then", and played the same open E over the progression as per the last time and it sounded sweet and everyone seemed happy and it was all good.

This morning it's still on my mind, so I'm checking through some chord theory to see if there was something else he might have wanted from me. Maybe playing a higher pitched E, or a "minor" bass note that compliments the E chord instead of E?

I pretty much assumed he meant the guitars played an E Minor chord though...

I'd appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks

[bburk]

I dunno, next time toss in a couple Ds and G#s to show him you get the picture...

[Depth_Charge]

I looked up the E Minor chord. I can't see what he meant, but I learned it was the most versatile chord due to open string strum.

So I think I'll just boom the whole chord out next time. That'll get his attention. I didn't think of that before!

[DocBop]

E major chord E G# B
E minor chord E G B

The third of the chord gives it, its main quality. This is REAL basic even if you don't know theory you should know how to spell triads. If you hit a G# and rest of band is jamming on Emi your ear should be screaming at you something is wrong.

[Poop-Loops]

LOL

What an idiot. Like DocBop pointed out, it's not the root note (E in this case) that makes it major/minor, it's the 3rd. Meaning your guitarist had no F'ing clue what he was talking about and you didn't do anything wrong.

[Depth_Charge]

Guys thanks.

It's an awesome feeling outsmarting a guitarist by NOT knowing something!

[BassChuck]

There needs to be a sticky thread about this sort of thing. There just may such a thing as music theory as opposed to "Guitar Music Theory". I can't tell you number of times I've ask a guitar player about a chord in question only to be given an answer like Am7 when in fact the chord was C.

In their defense it should be stated that guitar players, especially in jazz, will play the 'top half' of the chord. So while the real chord is G7b9 the guitar is playing a Bm7b5. Why should they play the root when that's our job?

[Jim Carr]

Originally Posted by Depth_Charge

Guys thanks.

It's an awesome feeling outsmarting a guitarist by NOT knowing something!

Well, it still might be nice to know a thing or two, no? As some have pointed out above, if you play a bassline built from E, G, and B, you will be clearly outlining an e minor triad.

It could be that your guitarist wants the bass to help clarify the chord quality (in this case minor). In fact, he may have a bassline in mind. Why not ask?

[KayCee]

Originally Posted by BassChuck

In their defense it should be stated that guitar players, especially in jazz, will play the 'top half' of the chord. So while the real chord is G7b9 the guitar is playing a Bm7b5. Why should they play the root when that's our job?

I believe that if the real chord is G7b9, the guitar would more likely be playing a Bdim7. The Bm7b5 would suggest a G9 chord.
Not to nitpick...your concept is right on.

[DocBop]

Originally Posted by KayCee

I believe that if the real chord is G7b9, the guitar would more likely be playing a Bdim7. The Bm7b5 would suggest a G9 chord.
Not to nitpick...your concept is right on.

I think the problem is more basic. Lack of communication. My guess is a bass and guitar player that didn't want to let their shield down and say "what do mean?" They probably could of helped each other learn something.

What was the name of that Moody Blues album.... In Search of the Lost Chord

[AlphaMale]

In open E: Eb and Em are fretted adjacently, so if he were right it would still have a similar result, the difference between the two is one fret. But I'm sure you're right.
Typicfal guitarist though not knowing what he's talking about.
I bet he's all tabs.