CHORD THEORY
Guitar chord is a set of notes played all together. Once you get to know the chord theory, you will have an idea how the chords on guitar are constructed. As a beginner, you may not feel any interest in theory but once you advance, you will want to experience new chords, and definitely to understand chords for any song, write your own songs.
We want you to understand the guitar theory so that you are able to find chords for any songs, and how a single chord can be put in a different context. In addition, this might be the first time you are thinking of some theory related to music. So we prefer you to go slow, understand and explore.
In this article you may not find the practical lesson or exercise, rather its more towards theory. Once you understand the chord theory you will find easier to learn different chords and use them while playing.
Chord Construction and Major Chords
Chord is a music which is played in general 2 or more notes. For major chords its mostly with 3 notes, which is why it is also known as major triads. Major chord uses 3 notes form major scale. For your easy understanding lets understand the major scale at first.
Major scale is a heptatonic scale as it consists of 7 notes. Now to find the major scale for any note, we have to consider a sequence and also the intervals. Now, there are a total 12 notes:
C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B.
For major chord it is important to identify 7 notes out of 12 to get a major scale for any note. So the theory comes from the following sequence:
Now if we place any sequence of notes in this chart. We will get 7 notes placed on 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 of this chart. Which comprises the major scale for that note on 1.
Now , from this scale we can make a chord by selecting the note 1. As it is mentioned, major chords consist of 3 notes. The ROOT note should be placed in 1. From the above chart and notes, if we place the C note as the root note. Then, to get the chord we have to add 3 and 5 notes. So, the C major chord will consist of C, E and G notes. Now if you look in these 3 notes, you will get an interval. So, the selection is like root note C, skipping D then E, skipping F then G.
Intervals
Now, if we consider other notes of the major scale, it might be a little difficult. If we start the note from C then we can format the C major triad, which may not match if we start with a different note of the scale.
C major chord is formed by taking 3 notes, which are a third apart. Now, if you are familiar with the major scale, you will understand the intervals between the notes in scale are all different. Now if we place all the note in one string of guitar, this interval might be clear to you all.
From the figure above, you can find that 2 frets separating many of the notes in scale. You can see 4 frets are separating the notes of C and E and 3 frets are separating E and G and there are 7 frets in between C and G.
Now lets compare the intervals of C scale with not D. as per the theory you will find for D chord, we will use root note D, skip E play F, then Skip G and play A. now if we place the note in figure of single string we get as following:
Between D and F, there are only 3 frets where there are 4 frets for C and E. similarly, there are 4 frets in between F and A and there are a total 7 frets in between D and A. remember, each fret is a semitone. And due to the difference of the semitone for C scale and D scale, we will get C major triad and a D minor triad. Now to match the theory with the interval to get D major chord we need to play F# instead of F which actually follows the table theory 1,3 and 5.
C Major Chord
D Major Chord
Now, once you play the both major and minor chords separately, you can determine the difference of the sound. The major is more happening while the minor sounds more sad and melancholic. The different sounds of these two triads are actually the result of different intervals. This is an important concept to understand to know more depth of different chords.
Minor Chord
Minor chords are essential components of music, adding depth, emotion, and color to compositions. Understanding the theory behind minor chords on the guitar is crucial for any guitarist. Here’s a breakdown of the theory:
Formula: Minor chords are typically built on a minor triad, which consists of three notes: the root, the minor third, and the perfect fifth. The formula for a minor chord is:Root + Minor Third + Perfect FifthFor example, in the key of C minor, the C minor chord consists of the notes C (root), E♭ (minor third), and G (perfect fifth).
Construction on the Guitar: Minor chords can be constructed on the guitar using various shapes and patterns. The most common way to play a minor chord on the guitar is using the E, A, and D string chords. For example, the open E minor chord:
- E minor (E, G, B) – Open strings: E (root), B (minor third), E (perfect fifth)
This chord is constructed by placing your fingers in the following positions:
- 2nd fret of the A string with your 2nd finger (B)
- 2nd fret of the D string with your 3rd finger (E)
Strum all the strings except the low E string. There are also barre chords for minor chords, movable shapes that allow you to play minor chords all over the neck of the guitar.
Relative Minor: Every major key has a relative minor key, which shares the same key signature. To find the relative minor of a major key, you count down three half steps from the major key’s tonic (root). For example:
- C major (C, E, G) -> Relative minor is A minor (A, C, E)
Knowing the relative minor relationship is helpful for understanding chord progressions and modulation in music.
Harmonic Function: In a musical context, minor chords can serve different harmonic functions. They can be tonic chords, providing a sense of resolution and stability, or they can be used as subdominant or dominant chords, creating tension and leading to resolution.
Chord Progressions: Minor chords often appear in minor key progressions, where they play significant roles alongside other chords such as the minor seventh chord, minor sixth chord, etc. Common progressions include the i-iv-V or i-VI-III-VII progressions, where lower-case Roman numerals represent minor chords.
Creating Chord Progression
Creating a guitar chord progression involves selecting a series of chords that work together harmonically and rhythmically to create a cohesive musical passage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a guitar chord progression:
Key Selection: Choose a key for your progression. This will establish the tonal center and guide your choice of chords. For example, let’s choose the key of G major.
Chord Selection: Decide on the chords you want to use in your progression. Common chords in the key of G major include G major (I), C major (IV), D major (V), E minor (vi), and A minor (ii). You can also incorporate other chords like B minor (iii) and F# diminished (vii°).
Progression Structure: Determine the structure of your progression. This could be as simple as a repeating loop of chords or a more complex sequence with variations. For instance, a common progression might follow a pattern like I – IV – V – I (G – C – D – G).
Rhythmic Variation: Experiment with different strumming patterns or rhythmic variations to add interest to your progression. You can use techniques like palm muting, arpeggiation, or syncopation to create different rhythmic feels.
Transitions: Pay attention to how each chord transitions to the next. Smooth transitions can be achieved by using common chord progressions or by incorporating passing chords or chord inversions.
Melodic Movement: Consider adding melodic movement within the progression. This could involve incorporating chord inversions, adding embellishments, or incorporating melodic lines between chord changes.
Here’s an example of a simple guitar chord progression in the key of G major:
| G | C | G | D |
| G | C | G | D |
| Em | C | G | D |
| Em | C | G | D |
This progression follows a basic I – IV – I – V pattern with an added vi chord (Em) for variation. Experiment with strumming patterns and embellishments to enhance the progression further