Probably the main reason I like guitar so much is the chords available - which can be fantastic. There's at least 30 years development in these chord ideas. While an individual chord might sound great, it's even better if you have a context or a progression to use it in. Consequently, these ideas are grouped in little 4 - bar segments, which should be arpeggiated - that is, play the notes one at at time from the lowest note in pitch.

Most of them are easy too but the open strings give maximum ring and sustain to the chords.

Try initially playing each chord four times. This 4 to a bar approach generally works for any songs.

For some reason I quit numbering the progressions - it's probably down to organic red wine (Fairtrade, Western Cape, Stellar organics, since you ask)

Anyway, the last one on line 3 (A7 sharp 9) should have an open A string at the bottom of the chord, string 5.

The last example is diminished chords as used in suspense and horror films - although the chord is moving up, the name remains the same. Now that's weird.

This is reminscent of Michelle by The Beatles, my favourite beat combo with moptops. Notice only one note in the chord is moving, down one fret at a time.

Shows how easy chords can sound great - the A maj9 ( an A chord with a B note added ) could be followed by a standard A chord. As it is, it's neither major or minor, hence a bit medieval. But in a good way.

You can make chords sound medieval/plainsong by not having a third in the chord. Your typical major chord is 1,3,5 in intervals - miss out the 3 and there is no major or minor interval to go on. Then sing along in Latin (use your local cathedral for this) Given a straight choice between Britney and the 12th century I would go for the latter.

As all you Spinal Tap fans will already know, this is the saddest of all keys. It inspires Nigel to create the romantic piece at the grand piano about Love Pumps. It's a truly touching moment in a great film.

Anyway, four of the voicings for Dm or Dm7 given here could be used anytime a normal Dm appears in the music, and you could even change between them for more variety.