Understanding how chords are created using the Major Scale will enable you to better comprehend songs and improvise – this knowledge is especially helpful for beginners looking to play piano.
Chords are constructed using three-note triads that include the root, third and fifth degrees of the scale. Each scale degree has a different interval relationship with its neighbors.
Triads
Triads consist of three notes that share a root note, with two above it arranged in any order – though their sound remains consistent no matter which way they’re arranged. Major or minor triad quality depends upon its interval between roots and thirds.
If the distance between bottom and middle is a major third, this chord is known as a major chord; otherwise if it has minor thirds between middle and top it’s considered minor chord. By adding variations to this basic pattern you can construct seven types of chords each possessing unique expressive properties.
In most instances, the letter name of a chord’s root reflects its quality – whether major, minor, diminished or augmented). Some chords can also be written with abbreviations representing each sixth note added to a triad; for example F#m7 has similar notes as Aadd6.
Major Third
A major third is a musical interval composed of two notes separated by two whole steps distance, making it easy to identify by ear when used in songs such as “When the Saints Go Marching In” (C-E).
Music theory assigns all intervals either major or minor designation, when one side of an interval changes its partner it becomes one or the other – when inverted it becomes a minor interval and vice versa.
So if you combine C and E together, the combination tone that results is the same C two octaves lower – this is known as a major chord. This pattern can be repeated across all major chords in any scale and used on any fretboard; just ensure you shift patterns according to key of song you want to play; otherwise you’ll need to transpose scales manually – something which can be extremely time consuming when dealing with piano keys! Instead, learn patterns first before practicing transposing them to different keys!
Major Chord
Major chords form when the first, third and fifth tones of any given scale are played or heard together; this form of the major chord is commonly known as its major triad counterpart.
Major chords often elicit positive associations for listeners in Western cultures due to their use of pleasing intervals and Ionian music mode which has an association with happiness. But this generalization does not apply in every culture where major and minor chords may have different emotional associations.
Pop and rock songs often incorporate major seventh chords into their arrangements, which combine major triads with the seventh degree of minor scale (commonly referred to as flat seventh). This progression can be found in songs like Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl as well as many others.
Minor Chord
Music using major scales tends to sound brighter and happier, though this depends on context. Meanwhile, minor chords often create a darker and more melancholic atmosphere – though again this depends on circumstances.
Good news is that scale notes can be used to construct both major and minor chords by simply altering their context and order. Therefore, learning various scales will allow you to use them in various contexts.
The most often-heard minor chord progression can be found in Classical pieces; however, its use in pop music also creates an upbeat atmosphere. If you want to learn more minor chords check out Fender Play’s online lessons; our mobile app may offer similar content.