What instrument do you play?

[Alyssa M.]

A jazz song generally sounds better using closed position chords but a bluegrass or folk song sounds better with the sound of open chords. If both songs were to be played in Bb, I'd play the jazz tune in Bb position, the folk song in G with capo on the 3rd fret. Whatever works for the song.

I'm proudly a sissy (taking it back from those who called me one when I was a kid) 

Z

Thankyouthankyouthankyou!!!!

That's what I was trying to say, more or less (well less, really, because I'm not all that good a guitarist), but couldn't quite phrase it like that. The only thing I'd add is that "what works for the song" might depend on who is playing it.

[Hildy]

I play piano and Brazilian percussion and am a composer and arranger. I have a 10-piece jazz/samba band here in Rio de Janeiro.
My friend Stephanie, whom I mentioned when I first joined, is a wonderful jazz singer. I would love to post a couple of links. Can I post links here?

[Shana A]

Thankyouthankyouthankyou!!!!

That's what I was trying to say, more or less (well less, really, because I'm not all that good a guitarist), but couldn't quite phrase it like that. The only thing I'd add is that "what works for the song" might depend on who is playing it.

Thanks! That's why I get paid the big bucks for playing guitar 

Z

[Unconditional Acceptance]

I hate barre chords and avoid them if I can. So, my capo gets a lot of use, too.

I can kinda see where you're coming from there, but after I actually got good at barre chords they became a lot more fun and I tend to use them more often.