The spread triads are a technique much used by Eric Johnson and Allen Hinds (allenhinds.com). The principle is simple: the 3rd note of the triad is shifted upwards by an octave.
This gives a more airy impression of the triad compared to when it is heard in its normal form.
The MI initial sequence by Allen Hinds
The Musician Institute (MI for short) is a music school in Hollywood where Allen Hinds teaches. Here he is in a doorway playing the chord sequence using spread triads.
Video Visit of the Musician Institute Hollywood
It's not clear exactly what context Allen is playing in the video below. From an Instagram comment we learn that this chord sequence is taken from the track Heartfell on the album Fly South.
The explanation by John Nathan Cordy
John Nathan Cordy (YouTube channel) is an interesting musician and youtuber whose videos I sometimes watch and enjoy. He obviously enjoyed Allen's use of spread triads and so made a very well done video on the subject.
I highly recommend watching this video to understand a little better the mechanics of what Allen plays.
A version of "Heartfell"
A full version found on YouTube played by Claude Schedler (claudeschedler.jimdofree.com).
The piece I tried to play
The best way to assimilate a notion is to practice. Based on the work of John Nathan Cordy (video above), I worked on this chord sequence. Here's the result on video after an hour or two's work. It's far from perfect, but at least I've got a bit more of those chord inversions under my belt.
Until the next interview or gear review, keep on playing the guitar!
Pierre Journel.
To find out more
Allen Hinds interviews
Video Visit of the Musician Institute Hollywood
