WHILE THERE IS a certain purity to standard chord voicings, there can be times when something a little extra adds some welcome harmonic variety and interest. Our case in point is these three open position chords of E, A and B7. It’s impossible to number the vast amount of songs written using this I-IV-V 7 chord sequence – so it seems particularly ripe for a rethink in how we might structure the chord voicings to create a fresh take on the whole thing. Though these were designed with the acoustic guitar in mind, they are also effective on the electric for jangly ‘almost-clean’ chords. Elvis Costello, James Honeyman Scott, Andy Summers and Tom Petty spring to mind as players who have implemented this kind of thinking with great results. You’ll notice the alternative voicings all feature the open first and second strings, giving constant E and B notes ringing on top.