Memory can help you create various chord types; for instance, when creating a minor triad the first interval should be a minor third (+3 semitones from the root), with its seventh interval being a diminished fifth (+6 semitones from the root).
One effective method of understanding these differences is through Roman numeral analysis of chord progressions. While it may take more effort, it will pay off in spades.
Keys
Minor chord charts provide you with an additional array of moods when writing songs or accompanying other musicians, as well as increasing the options when creating chord progressions with both major and minor key elements.
To create a chart of minor chords, begin by starting in any major key and gradually lowering each note by either one semitone or half step – then use this pattern as the foundation for building chords in their relative minor key.
Chords in minor keys tend to sound more melancholic than their major-key counterparts and can help express that emotion in music. That is why so many popular songs, like “Comfortably Numb”, employ both major and minor chords for maximum impact.
Scales
Similar to major chord progressions, minor chords are composed by using various scales. There are three primary categories of minor scales: natural, harmonic and melodic. Each has its own distinct aural identity while sharing similar features: they all begin on the same note but vary in how whole and half steps are arranged (See Example 4.)
Roman numeral analysis provides an effective and simple means of comprehending these differences, as it shows how changing the order of notes can alter their tonality and produce completely distinct tonalities – for instance A minor is generally more melancholic and subdued than C Major even though their notes are identical.
A common minor chord progression is i-iv-v-vi. This chord sequence can often be heard in pop songs such as Lukas Graham’s “7 Years.” A one-and-a-half step higher from i, known as bVII chord adds tension to songs like Bob Dylan’s “Ain’t No Sunshine”. As the song progresses further into it’s melody it creates more and more tension until reaching its final note – usually during verse three or four of course!
Chords
Chords are groups of three or more notes arranged according to a scale, combined in various ways to form chord progressions that express different emotions or moods in music – from sad, happy or hopeful feelings.
Minor chords are triads that contain two minor thirds and one major third, such as Cm, C-, or CM. A minor chord featuring a dominant 7th tone called an m7 chord can often be found in popular songs by Simon and Garfunkel such as their song “The Sound of Silence”.
An altered chord is a minor chord with an additional sharp or flat note added on top. These types of chords, often indicated with a # sign next to their names, may be used to add tension in song performances by shifting one semitone or half step lower on its root note – typically going from white keys to lower black keys in key progression.
Progression
Minor keys often feature more intricate chord progressions that add greater emotion to songs. A minor 5 (sometimes known as the dominant or V in roman numerals) chord can either be major or minor in nature, giving more expressive potential for creating memorable music.
Subtle modifications of minor chords are possible to convert them to major ones by eliminating its third, giving it a more melodic quality and creating more dynamic variations – for instance Megadeth has an example of such a diminished third chord below.
Learning the theory behind minor chord charts may be challenging, but it’s essential for songwriting purposes. Knowing it will enable you to use chord progressions created from this chart as you write songs of your own. Keep this in mind: tonality is determined by note order: the tonic, dominant and subdominant or I. V. IV are considered the three key chords in minor key.