Music theory defines chords as sets of intervals connected by distinct dimensions – for instance, between D and A is a major third interval, while between B and F it forms a minor third that results in diminished chords.
Chords can be constructed on any scale degree, although major triads are the most prevalent type. Some music genres like jazz also employ extended chords like Major seven or Major nine chords to compose songs.
The Major Scale Method
If you want to understand how major chords are formed, becoming familiar with the major scale is essential. Therefore, we have dedicated the first lesson in this series to reviewing it and its intervals; once this knowledge has been acquired we’ll then move onto how triads and modes are built.
Basic concept behind chord creation is that any chord can be formed by stacking threes atop each other. To do this, begin at the root note of your scale (in G Major this would be G). From here count up whole steps until reaching E, which would then allow you to start creating G major chords by adding additional notes from that scale (C and D). This process is how all major chords are constructed.
The Minor Scale Method
When performing A natural minor scale music, chord G may sound incomplete without being preceded by B due to whole steps being more dissonant than half steps; one solution for this issue would be swapping out G for G# in the harmonised minor scale – sometimes known as harmonic minor.
Chords are created from sets of intervals; in this instance the Major 3rd, Minor 3rd, and Perfect 5th (technically a major seventh above the first Major 3rd). To form a triad, simply choose 3 alternate notes from the scale that must all be at least a third apart and form three separate chords using those intervals.
However, this doesn’t always go according to plan; when looking at the major scale you will observe sharps and flats between each of these “natural” notes – in reality only half-tones or semitones separate each note! Therefore it can be helpful to remember that from C to D is one full step, while from D to E only requires half step or semitone adjustments.
The Major Triad Method
Following the same “formula” as for minor scale, major triads can be formed using any three notes from any scale degree, starting at fourth degree and counting up two thirds from there to arrive at F, A and C chord tones.
Major and minor distinctions come down to the quality of interval from chord root to third string: when this distance exceeds four semitones it is considered major; two semitones is considered minor.
Next time you play a major chord, leave the thickest string (the sixth) open. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the fifth string while your ring finger and pinkie rest comfortably on second frets of fourth and third strings respectively; this makes a standard open E major chord shape; mutes the thickest string instead if necessary to form this structure; you may recognize this from songs by The Cure such as Boys Don’t Cry or Beyonce like Halo which use this technique.
The Minor Triad Method
Chords are sets of intervals designed to be played in unison. A major chord consists of unison, Major 3rd and Perfect 5th (technically this is known as a Minor third above first Major 3rd). When harmonized through seventh note of scale to form diminished triad, distance between third and fifth is only six semitones rather than seven like in major or major diminished chord.
To master fretboard chord shapes, work your way up through the major scale spelling out each major triad as you progress. Remember to practice each set of strings until they can be played backwards and forwards without difficulty – this will expand your fretboard knowledge significantly! When this step has been accomplished, move onto other minor triad shapes – keep practicing these until you have great sounding fingerings suitable for all genres of music!