"We're focussing on a player whose inventive approaches to rhythm work are sometimes overlooked": Learn 4 John Frusciante Red Hot Chili Peppers guitar chords

John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers performs during Lollapalooza at Grant Park on August 06, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.

In this episode of our signature artist chords series we're focussing on a player whose inventive approaches to rhythm work are sometimes overlooked, and we're delighted to see John Frusciante bringing that creativity back with the Red Hot Chili Peppers following his return to the band in 2019. 

G

(Image credit: Future)

John Frusciante’s chord style is heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix and one of the features of his playing is thumbing the 6th string root note. One cool benefit of this is that it frees up the fourth finger, which you can use to add melodic notes on the highest three strings.

---

Am add9

(Image credit: Future)

Here is a minor alternative to a thumbed root note chord. Here the fourth finger is adding a 9th interval to the Am triad, but you can experiment by moving that note to other tones in the minor pentatonic or Dorian mode.

---

E9

(Image credit: Future)

Also known as the James Brown chord, this funky shape brings to mind percussive playing in songs such as Suck My Kiss or By The Way. Experiment with changing the pressure on the strings to alternate between percussive mutes and the full chord.

---

Dmaj7

(Image credit: Future)

The Maj7 is a warm, rich sounding chord which crops up in Under The Bridge. Adding the Major 7 interval to the Major triad evokes classy jazz vibes. Make sure each note rings clean by keeping your fingers arched and out of the way of the adjacent string.

Four John Mayer chords to try