Major chords have always been associated with positive emotions – from some of the world’s greatest classical pieces to beloved pop tunes. Why is this?
Major chords can be recognized by counting the semitones between their three notes, and are easily identified using this method.
Root
Root notes form the base of every chord, providing its stability. Additional notes are then layered on top to form a triad. For instance, in C major chords this includes three notes – root note, major third, and perfect fifth (see figure).
The major chord is one of the simplest forms of chords and can be found across most genres of music, making for an upbeat atmosphere in songs.
There are various variations to a major chord that can add depth and complexity to a song, but starting off with basic chords is always best when learning new ones.
Major Third
The major third interval spans three scale steps in C’s key of C. This consonant interval can be found in many chords such as II, IV, V and VI chords.
The perfect fifth is another interval that forms a chord major, situated between the first and second notes in a major triad. It sits 7 frets or three and a half tones higher than its root note for maximum consonance and pleasing sound production.
So far we’ve learned how every diatonic chord is made up from three notes, combined with various degrees of flats and sharps to alter its shape and key. This means that anyone able to count piano keys, guitar frets or keyboard spaces can create any chord they can imagine; you don’t even need an orchestra! The one exception being the 4th chord which appears farthest away from its tonic and requires a minor third in order to resolve.
Perfect Fifth
The perfect fifth is an interval found at the second note in a major triad, commonly serving as the top note in major scales and providing a stable interval.
Musically, perfect fifths are integral parts of triad chords and harmonic progressions, providing stability and resolution to cadences as well as making key transitions simpler through use of the circle of fifths.
Perfect fifths are easy to identify as they are consonant intervals that produce a full and rich sound when played together – especially within major scale or major triad chords.
Perfect fifths are integral components of modern music, especially power chords that rely on them. Perfect fifths can often be heard opening pieces like Richard Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra (featured in Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey) and Harold Arlen’s The Wizard of Oz: the Wicked Witch of the West Soldiers March as examples of perfect fifths.
Scale Degrees
Scale degrees refer to the interval between notes within a scale. For instance, E-G chord is formed using scale degrees 1 (E) and 3rd scale degree 3 (G). When playing an A above C to create a major third chord this A is considered scale degree 5.
Scale degrees also dictate the overall sound and feel of a scale; for instance, minor scale degrees tend to give off an introspective and melancholic vibe compared to their major counterparts.
Understanding scale degrees is essential to creating more intricate chord progressions and melodies. The seventh scale degree, for instance, can create tension and release in your music while transitioning from major to minor keys such as C major using E as the mediant aids transition by shifting mood into melancholic territories – a process known as relative modulation.