Chords are groups of notes that sound harmonious when played simultaneously. Chords are designed around specific scales and may have specific tone qualities like major, minor, or augmented to make up their harmony.
Major chords often produce happier sounds while minor chords may evoke sadness or mystery. Gaining some basic knowledge of music theory will enable you to understand why chords move together this way.
Triads
Triads are basic three note chords found throughout Western music. Their composition can range from minor, diminished or major depending on which notes comprise their constituent parts – root, third and fifth notes that make up each triad chord.
Learning different triad shapes is a great way to expand your fretboard knowledge and familiarize yourself with chord construction. Additionally, this knowledge will enable you to pick up new chords more rapidly while helping retain information better as you advance to more complex shapes.
Practice chord progressions using CAGED system-approved triad shapes. Play this for both rhythm and lead guitar, arpeggioing them and exploring various inversions and octaves; doing this will strengthen your ear for the sound of triads.
Major
Chords consist of three notes that agree in certain ways – these triads are called triads – which form triadic chords and form scales (an entirely separate topic). Chord charts use roman numerals after chord names to show where these triads lie within the scale.
Example of C major chord: the root note can be found at the first fret; B major is one fret higher, while F major two frets higher up on this chart. Furthermore, it indicates the intervals found within these chords.
Beginning guitarists should make use of these charts. Not only can they instruct which strings to strum, or on which frets the fingers should rest, they can also provide guidance as to what kind of strumming rhythm best complements each chord.
Minor
“X”s and “M”s above lyrics serve as shorthand for which strings to strum and which to mute. This makes learning chords much simpler for beginners as they no longer need to worry about which finger to use where.
Beginner guitarists might think there is not much space on their guitar for playing triads, but if you look closely you will see that most open chords are simply triads with one fret of tension removed (e.g. E becomes G in an A minor chord). This creates tension and dissonance which gives chords their distinctive sound.
Mixolydian
Mixolydian can be an easy mode to learn as its only distinct note from major scale is only one note away from being part of its soundscape. But in order to fully grasp it, one needs a sound foundation in major scale as a basis.
It has the feel of the major scale with added attitude or flair due to its flattened seventh, or leading tone, giving chords played using this mode a strong dominant sound.
Add Mixolydian to your chord progressions and experience its impact. It works especially well over maj7 chords and can create tension within vamps – just remember to use this mode sparingly – too much can sound discordant and make for an unpleasant soundscape.
Dorian
Dorian chord mode is an effective way of creating atmospheres that range from mysterious and dark to melancholic, particularly if you utilize its unique raised 6th scale degree that sets it apart from other modes.
Dorian Mode can be defined as a minor mode with an added major 6th interval – giving it its distinctive sound.
Dorian chords are easy to create by building them out of triads that include all of the notes of their scale. Below is a chart with all compatible Dorian triads and how you can play them on the fretboard.
Practice these chord progressions over a fixed bass to develop your ears for Dorian tones and mood. Use these progressions as building blocks for creating your own compositions using Dorian mode.