Major chords are the building blocks of all chords. Their composition consists of roots, major thirds, and perfect fifths of the major scale – indicated with capital letters above the music staff.
An interval is the distance between any two notes that make up a major chord and it is essential in creating these chords.
Triads
Triads form the cornerstones of chords. Consisting of a root note, major third, and perfect fifth (C, E, G), these triads make up every chord imaginable.
Triads can be combined in numerous ways to produce various chords. For instance, creating a C major triad involves starting on three notes (C, E and G).
Chords possess unique properties that alter both their sound and emotional impact. For instance, major and minor triads may sound happy or sad respectively while diminished and augmented triads can have frighteningly terrifying results or appear dreamlike and mysterious respectively.
A triad can also be extended by adding extra tones and voicings; for instance, adding minor seventh tones to extend it to become a G7 chord is one such example. When playing chords, always ensure the appropriate finger pattern so the entire chord sounds clear and complete.
Inversions
Chord inversions are simple ways of altering the order of notes within a chord, such as inverting it so its fifth is its lowest note instead of its root note. By doing this, inversions can add depth and complexity without becoming overbearing/jarring/jerky.
Inversions can also be applied to minor chords, like Cmin7. This creates a C, E and G chord that is slightly more tense than its original form.
When an inverted chord is marked on a sheet music, its inversion may be indicated with a slash (x/y). For example, C/G indicates it’s second inversion with bass note G. However, chords in their root position do not require such indication – in such instances simply calling them C chord would suffice; there would no need for changing its name so as to indicate its inversion status.
Root position
No matter its inversion, every chord is constructed around its root note – hence why all major chords must begin in root position.
Major chords consist of three notes above the root: third and fifth. However, you can alter its order by shifting either third up or down an octave; this type of broken chord.
Root position of a triad occurs when its lowest note, the root, is at its centre. To play one in C major, place your third finger on the seventh fret of the 3rd string and your fourth on the eighth fret of the 2nd string – this creates the 1, 3, and 5 of C major triad.
Understanding these inversions will add great variation and texture to your musical interpretations.
Finale
As you advance in your piano chording journey, you will notice different kinds of chords with distinct sounds. Major chords usually have brighter and more joyful tones while minor chords tend to provide darker and melancholic feelings.
Some chords feature additional notes that add flavor and variety, typically indicated by adding an extra tone in addition to their basic root, third, and fifth triads. When this occurs it’s often indicated with an additional number written after their symbol; an example would be seeing Cmaj7 or Cadd9 chords which indicate you’ve added one tone on top.
Understanding piano chords is vital for any pianist. It enables you to decode compositions, anticipate patterns and comprehend emotions they convey as well as compose and improvise original music – which includes songs by The Beatles (C, G, Am and F) or Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah (C A D G and G). Furthermore, chord progressions allow for further experimentation over specific melodies.