> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://vividguitar.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Learn a Chord Progression, News and Notes
- URL: https://vividguitar.co/learn-a-chord-progression-news-and-notes/
- Published: 2026-03-31T13:59:32.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-31T13:59:32.000Z
- Description: The newsletter for guitar players.
- Author: Vivid Guitar
- Tags: Newsletter

[![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co)

[ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 

## Guitar Practice

Today, let's take a look at a chord progression using some unique chord voicings, that take advantage of plenty of open strings.

This progression is in the key of **A minor** and creates a dark, melancholic sound by using chord extensions and altered tones instead of basic triads.

It begins with **Am9 resolving to Am**, where the added 9th creates tension that naturally pulls toward the simpler A minor chord. From there, the progression moves to **Gadd9**, which adds color and a slightly unresolved feeling that helps the harmony flow forward.

The **A7sus4** acts as a dreamy substitute for A7 and leads smoothly to **Dm**, since A functions as the dominant of D minor. This movement gives the progression a satisfying sense of direction.

Instead of a plain **F** chord, the progression uses **FM7♭5** and **Fadd♭5**, adding a darker and more tense quality. These altered tones make the harmony feel more emotional and atmospheric.

Throughout the progression, the three minor chords in A minor (**Am, Dm, and Em**) help reinforce the sad mood, while extensions like **Em9** and suspensions such as **Esus4** add subtle tension before resolving.

The progression ultimately returns to **Am**, bringing the harmony back home.

![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/03/A-minor-Guitar-Chord-Progression.png)

---

## News & Notes 🗞️

![Guitar Luthier Doug Irwin | Image Credit: Jamie Soja/Jamie Soja Photography](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/03/Doug-Irwin.webp)

Guitar Luthier Doug Irwin | Image Credit: Jamie Soja/Jamie Soja Photography

- **Doug Irwin**, the Northern California luthier who designed and built some of Jerry Garcia’s most iconic guitars, [has died at 76](https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/doug-irwin-jerry-garcia-guitars-22160841.php?ref=vividguitar.co).
- 📺 Check out a new [masterclass ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0cReNvuxw4&ref=vividguitar.co)from **Julian Lage**, done as part of the 2026 GroundUP Music Festival. In addition to answering questions from the audience, Julian announced that he **recorded 2 more new albums**; one with his trio, and one that's a duo album with bassist Jorge Roeder. Also, check out [Julian sitting in with the Tedeschi Trucks Band](https://youtu.be/-iS1Xtuu-OM?si=0EaC-lB7OpvO0bkt&ref=vividguitar.co) during their recent run at NYC's Beacon Teather.
- **Andertons Music** announced a run of [custom-spec Fender Road Worn guitars](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShL-uGv0G9k&ref=vividguitar.co). These Anderton's-exclusive guitar combine high end, vintage inspired specs with a closet vibe nitro finish, at a price you'd expect from a Mexican made Fender.
- **Andertons Music** also posted a casual video chatting about the tele, titled [A Love Letter to the Telecaster](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrBQ8eKNnIg&ref=vividguitar.co).
- **Doug Irwin**, the Northern California luthier who designed and built some of Jerry Garcia’s most iconic guitars, [has died at 76](https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/doug-irwin-jerry-garcia-guitars-22160841.php?ref=vividguitar.co).

---

**Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘