Simply, these chords are composed with intervals of three notes; for instance, a C major triad consists of the first note, third note and fifth note of its scale.
Music theory can be invaluable when writing songs in different keys; knowing this knowledge will enable you to identify which chords belong in which key and can assist when borrowing chords from elsewhere.
Major and Minor Triads
At their core, major and minor chords consist of just three distinct notes. Any more, and their individual parts become less distinct – so focus on mastering those first before considering adding any extra ones to your chords.
If you know music theory, one of the easiest ways to build major or minor chords is by spelling out its scale in that key. However, beginners may find this more complex so be patient!
Triads can be constructed using the first note, third note and fifth note from that scale; for instance a G major triad would consist of G – B – D. You may add any accidentals from its key signature that you need – such as sharps or flats – depending on what chord is being played. This same process applies when creating minor, augmented and diminished triads as well.
Major Scale
As you learn your chord progressions, start by studying the major scale in whatever key you wish to play in. The major scale contains all of the chords found within that key and will provide a good starting point for songwriting.
Chords based on the major scale will feature a pattern you can recognize across the fretboard, due to its interval qualities (one whole step equaling two frets, one half fret) that remain constant between its various patterns.
As you ascend from your root note, patterns will shift slightly to accommodate for variations in string tuning; however, their basic shapes remain constant. Once comfortable with these patterns, multi-octave patterns covering the entire fretboard can help speed up chord progression development while simultaneously giving rise to new types of voicings and chord combinations.
Minor Scale
A minor is unique due to its varied intervals between notes, creating a rich variety of chord combinations. For instance, second and fifth notes are half-step apart while there may be whole tones between each note. It contains all of the same sharps and flats found in C Major but without accidentals.
Jimi Hendrix famously used these chords in his classic song Ain’t No Sunshine by employing them one and a half steps down from the i chord and using two frets closer together than when using the I chord alone.
Understanding musical keys is essential when writing chord progressions of your own, so that the chords match up to your intended feel for a song. Furthermore, understanding borrowed chords can add depth and variety to your chord sequences.
Chord Progression
A chord progression is the sequence of musical notes that forms the backbone of a song’s melody and rhythm, providing its foundation. A good chord progression has the power to communicate emotion while conveying musical ideas effectively.
As guitarists know, chord progressions provide guitarists a quick route to mastering songs. Instead of having to memorize all the chord names and keys for every key they perform in, musicians learn numbered patterns that can easily be transposed across keys by simply shifting fretboard positions.
Creed’s radio hit, “Higher,” features a popular progression in drop D that can easily be transformed to any key by simply moving up one fret and adding a flat. This makes song composition much simpler for beginners! Similarly, progressions provide an excellent foundation for learning scales and modes – you may already have been exposed to many as a listener of modern music!