A triad is created by taking three notes from the major scale that are spaced a third apart and joining them together into an unbroken chord. However, depending on its starting note it can sound drastically different!
Understanding triads is an integral component of guitar chord theory, but sometimes it can be hard to link them with the chords you have been using since starting to play guitar.
1. C Major
Beginner guitarists typically associate “C chord” with C major, but there are actually numerous C chords within any key that include minor seventh chords and diminished seventh chords among others.
Considered in isolation, the only real distinction among various chords in any key is in terms of intervals (or distances) between notes; similarly for scales; in this example using C major notes to build both A minor scale and C major scale.
2. F Major
F major is an ideal key for cultivating tranquillity and serenity, according to Schubert’s description: it induces “light, joyous music with passing regret and religious sentiment”.
This chord progression relies heavily on two similar F major chords and employs an effective trick: shifting a minor chord’s third degree over to its equivalent major chord.
Practice will strengthen your fingers and make this easier; in addition, this will assist with changing chords cleanly.
3. G Major
G major chord is one of the first guitar chords most beginner guitarists learn, offering a comfortable strum and adaptability in a variety of musical styles.
God Save the Queen and New Zealand national anthems use this chord as its backbone, as well as being popular in country, rock, and metal music genres. Additionally, its versatile nature lends itself to jazzy embellishments via altered voicing such as G7.
4. A Major
Happier Than Ever is an acoustic ballad, so this Billie Eilish guitar chord tutorial will employ a classic dreadnought with natural strings for this tutorial. However, for an electric sound you could add humbuckers instead.
This song’s harmonic structure is simple. Its structure consists of two repeating progressions. One chord–F minor under “alone” at 4:03–has had its third degree chromatically altered into major, creating some interesting melodic tension and melody.
5. B Major
As a beginner guitarist, learning a B chord can be particularly difficult due to its barre nature. Fretting all notes close to the nut requires immense strength and dexterity from both muscles.
Minor intervals evoke an emotive yet sad sound in this major triad, while its perfect fifth contains stability and resolution.
It features two different inversions to accommodate various musical uses.
6. D Major
D major is one of the key fundamental guitar chords you should learn, appearing frequently in many songs as an excellent base upon which other chords can be built upon.
Add the second fret D on the B string to form a D major seventh chord, which makes for an appealing lead-in to other open chords. Practice transitioning smoothly from and into this chord as part of learning how to navigate musical terrain smoothly.
7. E Major
An essential step for many budding guitarists, the open E Major chord provides a simple yet accessible starting point. Like its minor equivalent, its sound is bold and captivating.
This week Marty will teach the hand shape that makes up both Am and E Major chords, along with ways to develop muscle memory and make smooth transitions between them. Be patient; don’t rush yourself; enjoy your journey!
8. G Minor
G Minor can convey feelings of regret, bitterness, or despair; yet it’s also an effective tool for introspection and depth expression.
G minor chords can produce very different sounds by shifting their triad notes up or down by one octave – this process is known in music theory as’versioning’.
G Minor chords can also be played as power chords by fretting the index finger over the 5th string while simultaneously muted out low E string, giving it a completely new sound and feel.