An effective major chords chart provides the easiest way to understand how most common major chords are constructed. Triad-based triads make up these chords and their notes correspond with scale degrees from the major scale.
Each chord begins with its root note and then incorporates middle and top notes from scale degree order to create its melody.
Triads
Triads are the foundation of chord progressions. Understanding how to form these basic chords and relate them to your key signature can help you quickly create harmonically sound music. Though their construction may seem straightforward, triads add incredible layers of complexity to songs; from joyful major triads that lift spirits right up through deeply-felt minor triads with sadder tones bringing their own character and depth.
A triad’s quality is determined by its interval between its root and third notes; major triads feature major third intervals while minor ones boast minor ones.
When identifying a triad, it’s essential to keep in mind octave equivalence and open spacing. Doublings and wide intervals may obscure identification of chords; therefore it is best to focus on chords without doubled intervals (Example 12a). Also note that an raised degree sign (+) attached to pitch letter names denotes diminished triads while no such indication denotes augmented ones (see Example 13b).
Major Scales
The major scale is one of the cornerstones of tonal music. Composed of seven pitch classes arranged in an order that determines its sound and mood, its use provides an effective musical foundation.
Every major scale begins and ends with two identical notes that are an octave apart; this note is known as its keynote; we name all other notes of the scale by starting from it. Thereafter, whole-step progressions follow along a cycle known as W-W-H to complete it.
There are three methods of labeling scale degrees: letter names, solfege syllables and numbering. It’s essential that one understands and can effectively use all three systems – each serves a distinct purpose.
Open Strings
Most chords utilize closed strings; however, open string chords may also be appropriate depending on the musical context and playing style of each bassist. Experimentation & listening to experienced jazz bass players may help guide your decision when to utilize open string chords in chord progressions.
Note: To properly gauge a chord’s “openness”, it is crucial to recognize that half steps refer to the distance between two adjacent notes on the keyboard (or fretboard), regardless of their white or black status. For instance, between C and the next black key C# (3 half steps).
This A major chord uses a first finger barre and leaves out the fifth string, providing people with larger fingers an easier time playing this shape while creating an appealing sound in certain contexts.
Scale Positions
As part of your major scale study, it can be helpful to examine its various positions as they correspond with chord shapes on the fretboard. This will enable you to understand how certain chords create specific moods that you didn’t expect or expect altogether.
Every major scale degree contains chords that can be created from it, which you can discover using a major scale chart that displays each shape next to its scale position.
Take, for example, the A form scale pattern shown above; it connects with both C shape scale pattern an octave higher and E form scale pattern one more octave higher; similarly for all of the other scale patterns. Memorizing these shapes will enable you to play major scales and their chords in any key on guitar.