Chords form the building blocks of songs. While woodwind and brass instruments can only play one note at a time, guitars can play multiple notes simultaneously.
Basic chords in guitar include major, minor, augmented and diminished. Intermediate guitarists may also learn seventh chords; these consist of multiple triads with concatenated third intervals that create seventh chords.
Basic chords
At its core, chords consist of three notes that combine to form an image in music. They’re often related to each other through scales and other musical mathematics – yet that shouldn’t discourage anyone from learning how to play guitar!
Chords are represented on charts using dots or numbers that show where each finger should go on your guitar neck. Some chords also contain symbols for mutes or stops to indicate specific strings to not play on.
Finding songs with chords used can be the ideal way to learn them quickly – it will be easier if it’s enjoyable! So find an Ed Sheeran song you enjoy playing, and start working! Soon you will be playing Ed Sheeran tunes like an expert!
Triads
Triads are small chord grips that allow for greater freedom when improvising. You can use triads in various ways – second guitar parts or creating riffs are just two possibilities – they also add some brightness between major and minor chords that tend to sound dark.
Triad chords can be used to form chord progressions in any key. To construct one, start with the fundamental note of your scale before adding its third and fifth degrees as necessary.
Once learned, this method is easy to apply anywhere on the fretboard. Furthermore, it helps you understand how CAGED system works, which is essential when building chords or scale patterns across fretboard.
Major chords
These chords form the core of most songs, and can easily be learned. Their shapes of notes make them recognizable to guitarists of any skill level.
This interactive Google Slides product from Brooklyn Guitar Method is an engaging way to teach your students the major chords. Each chord is displayed widescreen with cartoon pictures/cartoons matching its letters and an audio demonstration embedded.
Chose the root note and chord quality you would like to hear by clicking on the buttons at the top left corner of each slide. Click “more” for additional voicings of that chord in other keys or on various parts of the fretboard.
Minor chords
Minor chords can often be found in emotive genres like blues and indie music, helping create the necessary tension and release in each piece. They play an essential part of creating mood.
Minor chords are created by lowering the 3rd note in a key scale by one half-step. While major chords focus on all scale notes and their respective intervals, minor chords focus solely on root notes with accompanying intervals.
Learning both Major and Minor chords is essential for any guitarist regardless of what style you prefer, and is also an excellent way to expand your knowledge of musical theory as well as songs you adore.
Seventh chords
Seventh chords are an extension of basic triads. Consisting of root, major third and perfect fifth of a scale plus an extra seventh interval above it, they occur naturally across major and minor scales and offer advanced guitarists an invaluable learning resource.
Chords add depth and complexity to any music composition, being an indispensable component in most genres and helping convey emotion. Furthermore, chords help create harmony within progressions that engage listeners.
Clay’s guitar chord lessons teach his students to combine intervals into various types of chords, enabling them to produce complex changes on the fretboard. With his expert guidance, musicians are empowered to master this difficult skill and become more accomplished musicians.