Learning chords may seem complex at first, but once you grasp their pattern it becomes relatively simple. Chords are composed of scales which contain intervals (distances between notes).
There is an easy formula that allows us to compose major chords in all 12 keys: simply pick a root note, count intervals until you find your next chord!
C Major
C Major is among the first chords you are likely to learn. Chords can be combined into triads, which consist of groups of three notes spaced out by intervals of a third.
Play a C triad and listen closely. You will hear that it forms a major chord due to being built up from the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes from C major scale.
D Major
D major is composed of two sharps and the relative minor key is B minor, making it popularly associated with songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Bad Moon Rising and Bryan Adams’ Summer of ’69.
Keep in mind that major triads are composed of threerd intervals stacked one upon another – from A to C is one third and from C to D another third.
E Major
E Major is a major key with four sharps. Its scale follows a circle of fifths pattern, where W indicates whole tones and H semitones.
Chords can be formed by taking the first three notes of any major scale and stringing them together – for instance an E Major chord is composed of E G# B notes. Experiment with different voicings to achieve a fuller sound.
F Major
F Major is a major scale that contains two major tetrachords (a four-note segment with the pattern 2-2-1) and is distinguished by special names for each scale degree – tonic, supertonic, mediant, subdominant, dominant and leading note/tone.
Chords can be formed on each of these scale degrees, from suspension chords (Fsus2) and major sevenths (Cmaj7) to suspension chords and major sevenths. Using these chords as building blocks for progressions and melodies.
G Major
G major is one of the most frequently played chords, often serving as the starting point for beginners on guitar, violin, viola, bass or mandolin.
G is an easily identifiable key and its sweet sound makes music easier to enjoy. Yet composers such as Franz Schubert rarely used this key when writing compositions – instead relying more often than not on other keys like A and D for their compositions.
A Major
A major chord consists of three notes that are staggered intervals of a third apart and is one of seven diatonic chords found in a major key signature. It is associated with happiness.
One of its cousins is the major seventh (also referred to as a dominant 7th). A less frequently played but nonetheless essential major chord is Major sixth (sometimes written maj6).
B Major
B Major is an ideal key for beginners learning major chords. It features an easy pattern that is straightforward and accessible, helping learners start learning these complex structures right away.
Practice shifting up and down the neck slowly, purposefully, and on time in order to develop good position shift skills and clean sounding chords. Also aim at keeping your hand and fingers relaxed and in their proper positions.
C Minor
C minor is an expressive key, capable of conveying feelings of longing, sorrow and passion while at the same time sparking passion and intensity.
Many songs use chords from this key to create emotive pieces of music; Adele’s “Someone Like You”, Hotel California by The Eagles and Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” are some examples.
D Minor
Understanding song keys and chords will enable you to better interpret music, while simultaneously speeding up your guitar playing skills by teaching you how to improvise songs on the spot and expand your ear.
D Minor is composed of seven diatonic chords that stem from the scale with one flat note – B. Explore these chords by looking through the chart below – each chord corresponds to an actual scale degree!
E Minor
There is an easy-to-learn pattern for building major chords that works in all keys; this is known as the diatonic chord and scale formula and makes an invaluable aid for guitarists and piano teachers.
Every major key contains three major chords, three minor chords and one diminished chord – making a total of 12 keys per major key in total. Three keys share notes with other keys; these enharmonic keys share notes between different keys – giving rise to new opportunities!