Major chords are the easiest type of chord to learn, yet still versatile enough for use in everyday settings. But there are other forms available if that interests you!
A major triad consists of a major third interval at its foundation, followed by two minor third intervals and an outer perfect fifth note arranged so as to create seven semitones – four for major thirds plus three semitones equalling seven semitones for an outer perfect fifth note.
Triads
Triads are three note chords built by stacking thirds from their root note, and one of the foundational concepts in music theory. Triads can be found across various structures and are an invaluable addition.
To build a triad, start by notating D as its root (chord’s root note), and draw third and fifth notes above it (i.e. draw a snowperson).
These notes could either be generic thirds and fifths from the minor scale or, if on the major scale, may include augmented and diminished triads. When necessary, consider the key signature of the chord’s root to assign any accidentals from that key signature onto its third and fifth notes of triads as needed.
Once you understand triads, they provide an excellent starting point for creating new chords. Triads can also be used as an open-ended tool that can be used improvising and producing various sounds – you could even use them to create modes or play blues licks!
Scales
Scales are patterns of notes that serve as the foundation for melodies and chords, such as major or minor scales; however, other scales such as modal can also be utilized.
Scale notes are organized in increasing and decreasing pitch classes, beginning from a root note (typically middle C in scientific pitch notation) and ascending one octave. A scale can also be divided into intervals and steps that describe distance between notes.
Scales are an excellent way to begin learning music theory as they help you understand what notes sound like in each key, while also offering an excellent opportunity to improvise solos over chord progressions and practice improvising solos over chord progressions.
Progressions
Chord progressions are sequences of at least two chords played successively to build songs and their melodies as well as provide structure for rhythm and instrumentation.
Progression chords can come in any length or number; what matters is that they add meaning and distinctiveness to your song. Also consider what rhythm you want to create as rhythm has a dramatic impact on how music “feels”.
To gain an understanding of chord progressions, it’s essential to have an understanding of how major and minor keys operate. They consist of families of notes organized according to a certain scale or pattern that often evoke various emotional responses in listeners.
Chords
A chord is the combination of notes that creates an emotion or sound effect. Chords can be created using any number of scales – major and minor alike.
Create new chords by adding other notes to existing ones – this technique can be particularly helpful when adding extra voicings into your playing.
An C major chord can be constructed using G as the root note and then three notes from the C major scale above it as thirds.
If desired, chords can be further modified by inverting or adding notes above and below the bass note – this process is known as inversion – adding notes can take any shape you like; there is no set order in which these additional notes should appear.
There are two primary types of extended chords, known as major seventh (maj7) and minor seventh (m7) chords, notated by superscript letters after either major or minor triads and often utilized in jazz music.