Spider chord 1

Spider chord
The spider chord is a guitar technique popularized during the 80s
thrash metal scene. Although its origins are unknown, it is widely
regarded as being invented by Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, although
Kerry King has also claimed he was the first to use it. It is used to
reduce string noise when playing (mostly chromatic) riffs which
require chords across several strings.

The chord or technique is used in the songs "Wake Up Dead" and

"Ride the Lightning"[1] .

Technique Spider chord on D and B♭ . The "web" of lines in

the tab between each successive fret shows the
D5 Bb5 fingering order (5-6-7-8 fingered 1-2-3-4 on
e|-------| strings 5-6-4-5).

B|-------|
G|-------|
D|-7-----|
A|-5--8--|
E|----6--|
3 <
1 4 <--Spider chord fingering
2 <

As seen in the above tab, the two power chords may be played in succession without shifting, making it easier and
quicker[1] , and thus avoiding string noise. The normal fingering would be for both chords, requiring a
simultaneous shift and string change. Note that the two power chords are a major third apart, if the first chord is the
tonic the second is the minor submediant. The spider chord fingering also allows access to a major seventh chord
without the third[1] :
AM7
e|------|
B|------|
G|------|
D|--6---|
A|--7---|
E|--5---|
3
4
2

The spider chord requires the player to use all four fingers of the left hand, thus its name. This technique then allows
you to run down the neck playing either of the two chords[1] .
Spider chord 2

References
[1] "Video Question: Spider Chords" (http:/ / www. jamplay. com/ video-help/ answer-496. html), JamPlay.com.
Article Sources and Contributors 3

Article Sources and Contributors

Spider chord  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=359817170  Contributors: Cptmurdok, CynofGavuf, Eduardofoxx13, Hyacinth, Ron Ritzman, ShredderKing, 1 anonymous
edits

Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors

Image:Spider chord on D.png  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Spider_chord_on_D.png  License: GNU Free Documentation License  Contributors: User:Hyacinth

License
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
http:/ / creativecommons. org/ licenses/ by-sa/ 3. 0/