Chord Construction
Learn how chords are built and understand the different types of triads.
What are Chords?
Chords are groups of three or more notes played together simultaneously (harmonically) or in sequence (arpeggiated). The most common type of chord is the triad, which consists of three notes stacked in thirds. Chords provide the harmonic foundation of music and create the emotional context for melodies.
Why Chords Matter
- Harmony: Chords create the harmonic structure that supports melodies
- Emotion: Different chord types evoke different emotions (major = happy, minor = sad)
- Function: Chords have specific functions in music (tonic, dominant, subdominant)
- Foundation: Most Western music is built on chord progressions
Basic Triads
A triad is a three-note chord built by stacking thirds. There are four types of triads, each with a unique sound and emotional quality.
Major Triad
Intervals: Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th
Quality: Bright, happy, stable. The most common chord type in Western music.
Example (C Major): C - E - G
Interval distances: C→E = 4 half steps (major 3rd), E→G = 3 half steps (minor 3rd)
Minor Triad
Intervals: Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th
Quality: Dark, sad, melancholic. Creates emotional depth and contrast.
Example (A Minor): A - C - E
Interval distances: A→C = 3 half steps (minor 3rd), C→E = 4 half steps (major 3rd)
Diminished Triad
Intervals: Root + Minor 3rd + Diminished 5th
Quality: Tense, unstable, creates strong need for resolution. Often used for dramatic effect.
Example (B Diminished): B - D - F
Interval distances: B→D = 3 half steps (minor 3rd), D→F = 3 half steps (minor 3rd)
Augmented Triad
Intervals: Root + Major 3rd + Augmented 5th
Quality: Mysterious, ambiguous, creates tension. Less common but used for special effects.
Example (C Augmented): C - E - G♯
Interval distances: C→E = 4 half steps (major 3rd), E→G♯ = 4 half steps (major 3rd)
Triad Comparison
Major vs Minor:
The only difference is the third: major has a major 3rd (4 half steps), minor has a minor 3rd (3 half steps). The fifth is the same (perfect 5th = 7 half steps).
Diminished vs Augmented:
Diminished has a lowered 5th (6 half steps). Augmented has a raised 5th (8 half steps). Both create strong tension.
Interactive Practice
What notes make up a C major triad?
What makes a chord minor instead of major?
Chord Inversions
Chord inversions occur when a note other than the root is in the bass (lowest) position. Inversions change the sound and function of chords while maintaining their harmonic identity.
Root Position
Root is in the bass
C Major: C-E-G (C in bass)
Most stable, clear chord identity
First Inversion
Third is in the bass
C Major: E-G-C (E in bass)
Smoother voice leading, less stable
Second Inversion
Fifth is in the bass
C Major: G-C-E (G in bass)
Most unstable, creates tension
Seventh Chords
Seventh chords add a fourth note (the 7th) to triads, creating richer, more complex harmonies. They're essential in jazz, blues, and many other styles.
Common Seventh Chords
- Major 7th (maj7): Major triad + major 7th. Smooth, jazzy sound (C-E-G-B)
- Dominant 7th (7): Major triad + minor 7th. Creates strong resolution (C-E-G-B♭)
- Minor 7th (m7): Minor triad + minor 7th. Mellow, smooth (C-E♭-G-B♭)
- Minor-Major 7th (m(maj7)): Minor triad + major 7th. Dark, mysterious (C-E♭-G-B)
- Diminished 7th (dim7): Diminished triad + diminished 7th. Highly tense (C-E♭-G♭-B♭♭)
- Half-Diminished 7th (ø7): Diminished triad + minor 7th. Common in jazz (C-E♭-G♭-B♭)
Seventh Chord Functions
- Dominant 7th: Strongest need for resolution, pulls to tonic
- Major 7th: Stable, can function as tonic or subdominant
- Minor 7th: Stable, often used as ii, iii, or vi chords
- Diminished 7th: Creates maximum tension, needs resolution
- Half-Diminished: Common as iiø7 in minor keys, creates smooth voice leading
Daily Practice
Practice these exercises to master chord construction:
Basic Exercises
- Build major and minor triads starting on different root notes
- Practice identifying chord qualities by ear
- Learn all four triad types (major, minor, diminished, augmented)
- Practice chord inversions on your instrument
Advanced Exercises
- Play common chord progressions in different keys
- Try to identify chords in your favorite songs
- Build seventh chords and practice their inversions
- Practice voice leading between chords
- Experiment with extended chords (9ths, 11ths, 13ths)
Key Takeaways
- Chords are groups of three or more notes that create harmony
- Triads are three-note chords built by stacking thirds
- The four triad types are major, minor, diminished, and augmented
- Chord inversions change which note is in the bass while maintaining the chord's identity
- Seventh chords add a fourth note, creating richer harmonies
- Different chord types evoke different emotions and have different functions
- Understanding chord construction is essential for composition, arrangement, and improvisation