Quick Guides: Understanding Chords

LinkedMusicians Quick Guides are designed to get you up to speed quickly on key concepts in music, recording production, and post-production.

Understanding Chords: A Music Theory Primer

Triads

Triads are fundamental three-note chords that form the backbone of harmony. They consist of three intervals stacked on top of each other: the root, the third, and the fifth. Here are the key types of triads:

1. Major Triad (Maj):
   • Root (1)
   • Major third (3)
   • Perfect fifth (5)
   • Example: C major chord (C E G)
2. Minor Triad (min):
   • Root (1)
   • Minor third (b3)
   • Perfect fifth (5)
   • Example: A minor chord (A C E)

Suspended Chords (Sus)

“Sus” stands for “suspended.” These chords create tension and a sense of anticipation. There are two common types:

1. Sus2:
   • Root (1)
   • Major second (2)
   • Perfect fifth (5)
   • Example: Dsus2 (D E A)
2. Sus4:
   • Root (1)
   • Perfect fourth (4)
   • Perfect fifth (5)
   • Example: Gsus4 (G C D)

Diminished Triads

Diminished triads have a unique, mysterious quality. They consist of:

• Root (1)
• Minor third (b3)
• Diminished fifth (d5)
• Example: Cdim (C Eb G♭)

Augmented Triads

Augmented triads sound bright and exotic. They include:

• Root (1)
• Major third (3)
• Augmented fifth (#5)
• Example: F♯aug (F♯ A♯ C♯)

Remember, both diminished and augmented triads are symmetrical chords, meaning they have consistent intervals.

Complex Chords

Music, as a universal language, touches our souls and elevates our spirits. At its heart lies the harmonious interplay of melodies and chords. While simple triads form the foundation of music composition, complex chords add depth, sophistication, and color to musical arrangements.

Complex Chords in Music Theory

Complex chords go beyond the traditional triadic structure of root-third-fifth intervals. They incorporate additional tones, evoking specific emotions and creating dynamic contrasts within compositions. These chords are essential tools for artistic expression.

How Complex Chords Are Constructed

1. Sevenths (7th Chords):
   • Major 7th (Maj7): Root + Major third + Perfect fifth + Major seventh
   • Minor 7th (min7): Root + Minor third + Perfect fifth + Minor seventh
   • Example: Cmaj7 (C E G B) or Dmin7 (D F A C)
2. Ninths (9th Chords):
   • Major 9th (Maj9): Root + Major third + Perfect fifth + Major seventh + Major ninth
   • Minor 9th (min9): Root + Minor third + Perfect fifth + Minor seventh + Minor ninth
   • Example: Gmaj9 (G B D F♯ A) or Amin9 (A C E G B)
3. Elevenths (11th Chords):
   • 11th: Root + Major third + Perfect fifth + Major seventh + Perfect eleventh
   • Example: F11 (F A C E G)
4. Thirteenths (13th Chords):
   • Major 13th (Maj13): Root + Major third + Perfect fifth + Major seventh + Major ninth + Major thirteenth
   • Example: B♭maj13 (B♭ D F A C E)

Remember, manipulating these intervals creates chords with distinct emotional flavors, from soothing to tense.

Sharp and Flat Extensions

1. Ninth Intervals (9th)

The ninth interval adds a layer of sophistication to chords. It’s the distance between the root and the ninth note in a scale. Here are the key ninth chords:

• Major Ninth (Maj9):
  • Root + Major third + Perfect fifth + Major seventh + Major ninth
  • Example: Cmaj9 (C E G B D)
• Minor Ninth (min9):
  • Root + Minor third + Perfect fifth + Minor seventh + Minor ninth
  • Example: Dmin9 (D F A C E)

2. Eleventh Intervals (11th)

The eleventh interval introduces a sense of openness and color. It’s the distance between the root and the eleventh note. Common eleventh chords include:

• Dominant Eleventh (11):
  • Root + Major third + Perfect fifth + Minor seventh + Perfect eleventh
  • Example: G11 (G B D F A)

3. Thirteenth Intervals (13th)

The thirteenth interval is the farthest extension diatonically possible. It includes all seven tonal degrees within the chord. Here’s the enchanting thirteenth chord:

• Dominant Thirteenth (13):
  • Root + Major third + Perfect fifth + Minor seventh + Major ninth + Major thirteenth
  • Example: F13 (F A C E G B D)

These extensions add depth, intrigue, and harmonic richness to your musical palette. 

Conclusion

Chords are the building blocks of music, shaping melodies, harmonies, and emotions. Whether you’re strumming a guitar or composing on a piano, understanding these basics will expand your musical vocabulary.