Major chords (also referred to as major triads) form the backbone of most songs, usually comprising of three notes that form an interval spanning the first, third and fifth notes in a scale and are generally considered happy chords.
To create a major triad, begin with the root note and skip three piano keys before reaching E, the next scale degree up, followed by two more piano keys before arriving at G as your perfect fifth note.
Root
Root of a Chord
Basic chord theory dictates that major chords should have four half steps (a major third) between their bottom and middle notes, and minor chords three half steps from both. This provides a clear distinction between them.
Play the chords in a major key (such as Suzanne Vega’s song “Luka”), then move one octave up or down and you will create either a minor chord, major chord, or unison of both! This allows for great experimentation!
Major Third
The major third interval is easily one of the most recognizable chord intervals, as its sound defines a major chord and all other intervals are perfect fourths except the interval from String 3 to String 2. This makes identifying major third intervals quick and simple regardless of tuning.
Major chords may contain either major or minor thirds, and their quality often dictates the overall mood of music pieces by shaping its intervals–major and minor thirds can evoke feelings of happiness, joy, and confidence while minor ones may bring on sadness, depression, or uncertainty.
A major third is defined as an interval between a scale’s tonic note and its second note, such as C and E in this example, with two whole steps or four semitones between C and E, hence its name “major.” A minor third, also referred to as a diminished third, occurs between C and another note three notes higher up in its scale – C-E being two whole steps apart or four semitones from each other, hence its name as such.
Perfect Fifth
The perfect fifth is a musical interval consisting of two notes that has an equal ratio between three and two, or “three to two”. This interval can span across seven semitones and can be found in many Western music scales. Most commonly found in rock music power chords as it creates an impressive sound; its versatility also lends itself to being used in medieval music for drones.
When employing perfect fifth chords it is imperative that both accidentals – one flat and one sharp – match exactly. This technique known as matching can speed up notation while guaranteeing that the interval sounds harmonious.
The perfect fifth is an indispensable ingredient of major seventh chords. It softens their dissonant qualities and reduces dissonance – as can be heard here with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
Inversions
An inversion occurs when changing the order of notes within a chord. By switching it from first inversion (C, E and G) to first inversion (C, E and G), we get a different sound because now its top note becomes part of its bass tone.
Learning inversions of major chords will enable you to easily form multiple chords from a single root, making it much simpler for you to move about on the fretboard and explore various musical ideas.
Try playing some of your favorite songs in inverted versions to see how a simple tweak can transform their feel and emotion. Practice these shapes until they have become muscle memory – then incorporate them into original songs or compositions with ease! And above all else – have fun!