Sometimes people ask me why they have to learn all those different types of chords, such as augmented and diminished and 9ths and so forth. The answer is “They don’t. They can get by with just the primary chords UNLESS … Continue reading →
What can you do with chords once you know them? There are upteen zillion things you can do with chords, and the more you learn about all aspects of music theory and form and compostion and improvisation and chord progressions, … Continue reading →
Do you love the sound of those big, fat chords that you hear some pianists play? What you are hearing is often extended chords – chords that have been extended beyond the octave range, such as 9th chords. But how … Continue reading →
The basic chords of music are TRIADS – 3-note chords composed of various intervals of the scale based on the root, 3rd, and 5th and their alterations. To form a 4-note chord you simply add a note of the scale … Continue reading →
Any chord can be turned upside down simply by taking the bottom note of the chord and putting it on top – an octave higher. There are 3 positions of any 3-note chord (triad): root position, 1st inversion, and 2nd … Continue reading →
Diminished triads are formed by lowering the 3rd and the 5th of a major triad. (A triad is a 3-note chord). Remember that a major triad is formed from the root, 3rd, and 5th of a major scale. Watch this … Continue reading →
A triad is a 3-note chord of some kind, and an augmented triad is composed of a major 3rd stacked on top of a major third. That creates the “unbalanced” sound typical of an augmented triad. This short video demonstrates … Continue reading →
Here’s a short video overview of the world of chords — what they are, how they are formed, and how they relate to one another. After watching the video, click here: The Wide World of Chords — An Overview From … Continue reading →
Minor chords have a haunting quality that is unique as witnessed by the fact that countless composers from Beethoven to Billy Joel have written many pieces in minor keys. Watch this short video on minor chords, then click on the … Continue reading →
How important are major chords? Since probably 80% to 85% of all the chords used in music are some form of major chords, I’d say they are pretty important. And since there are only 12 of them (not counting enharmonic … Continue reading →
