Help zeroing in on a "set" of jazz chords...

[Malcolm]

Just a little overwhelmed with the number of “jazz chord” choices (guitar) and would appreciate a little help zeroing in on a starting set.

I want to work toward playing chord melody in a comping format – and feel the chords with their root on the first string (chords on the top four strings) will fit what I want.

However, my real reason for thinking that this “set” (chords on the top four strings) will be right for me to start with is I’m not sure how to do 6th string root chords that have the 5th and 1st string muted. This “set” of chords, identified as “Jazz chords” make me think I should start with them. If that is the case a quick comment on how you go about muting the 5th string will be helpful - really any comments on chord melody would be appreciated.

[phantom]

concerning the muting:

either don't strumm over the strings - use thumb for the bassnote and the others for the rest and pluck them that way.
or, keep the finger that plays the bass on the 6th string kinda flat so that it touches the 5 string and mutes it.

[mjo]

I believe the fingerings for (drop 3 ?) voicings, with the bass note on the 6th string lend themselves nicely for muting, (the 5th string in particular).

As far as chord melodies, I'd be inclined to use the top 4 or, middle 4 strings.
You mention chords with thier root on the 1st string, with drop 2 voicings the root will move, depending on which inversion you're using.

If you're not already familiar with drop 2's, I'd suggest working with them. These voicings can be very useful for working out chord melodies.
If you're working from a lead sheet or fake book, you may find it necessary to alter the chord on the chart to accommodate the melody, (and / or fingering).

Now, I'm not really sure what you mean by "chord melody in a comping format" but, hopefully this is somewhat helpful - ?

-best,
Mike

[Malcolm]

Thanks for your comments. I'm going to settle on middle strings or root on the 1st string and pass up root on the 6th for right now as muting the 5th string will not be necessary and thus a little easier.

Again not sure which one I'll settle on but will try them both out. I suspect they can work together like we use the root on the 6th and 5th string with scale patterns -- so it is not necessary to travel the entire fretboard just to grab a specific chord.

Again, thanks, I'm on track now.