Triads: Major, Minor, Diminished, Augmented
Triads are three-note chords built from a root, third, and fifth. They form the basis of muchWestern music harmony. By altering the thirds and fifths, we create different chord types: major, minor, diminished, and augmented.
- Major Triad: Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth.
- Minor Triad: Root, Minor Third, Perfect Fifth.
- Diminished Triad: Root, Minor Third, Diminished Fifth.
- Augmented Triad: Root, Major Third, Augmented Fifth.
Seventh Chords
Seventh chords add a fourth note to triads, extending their harmonic richness. This fourth note is usually a seventh interval from the root and can be major, minor, or diminished, leading to various seventh chord types.
- Major Seventh: Major Triad + Major Seventh.
- Minor Seventh: Minor Triad + Minor Seventh.
- Dominant Seventh: Major Triad + Minor Seventh.
- Half-Diminished Seventh: Diminished Triad + Minor Seventh.
- Fully Diminished Seventh: Diminished Triad + Diminished Seventh.
Extended and Altered Chords
Extended chords go beyond the seventh, adding more tones for complex harmonies. These include ninths, elevenths, and thirteenths. Altered chords modify specific chord tones, usually within extended chords, to create tension and resolution.
- Ninth Chord: Adds Ninth to Seventh Chord.
- Eleventh Chord: Adds Eleventh to Ninth Chord.
- Thirteenth Chord: Adds Thirteenth to Eleventh Chord.
- Altered Chords: Typical alterations include #5, b5, #9, and b9 to add tension.
Chord Inversions
Chord inversions change the bass note of a chord without altering its structure. This technique adds smoothness to chord progressions and enhances harmonic variety. Inversions are labeled based on the chord’s lowest note.
- Root Position: Root is the lowest note.
- First Inversion: Third is the lowest note.
- Second Inversion: Fifth is the lowest note.
Chord Construction on the Fretboard
Constructing chords on the guitar fretboard involves understanding string and fret relationships to translate theoretical knowledge into practical application. This skill enables guitarists to play and improvise harmonies effectively.
- Triads: Can be played in various shapes across the fretboard.
- Seventh Chords: Built on triads with additional tones for seventh.
- Extended Chords: Involve adding ninths, elevenths, and thirteenths from known shapes.