Chords are sets of notes played simultaneously that play a fundamental role in music, creating harmony, tension, and resolution. For any beginning musician, understanding chords is essential, as they are the basis of many harmonic progressions and are present in practically all songs.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything from the simplest concepts to the most complex chords, as well as examining how they relate to each other within a key. Understanding these relationships is fundamental, as it is through them that the harmonic structure of the songs is formed.
With this knowledge, you will be able to play simple songs and even start creating your own harmonic progressions. Although the beginning may seem challenging, with patience and practice, you will find that understanding and playing chords will become one of the most rewarding parts of your musical journey.
What are chords?
Chords are formed when two or more notes are played simultaneously, and these notes usually belong to the same key or scale. The combination of these notes creates a harmony, essential for the construction of any song, as it helps to establish the mood and emotional direction of the piece.
In its simplest form, a chord is made up of three notes: the root, the third and the fifth:
- The tonic is the note that gives the chord its name, being the tonal reference point for the musician.
- The third is the note that determines the quality of the chord, that is, whether it will be major or minor.
- The fifth is the last note that completes the chord, forming its harmonic structure.
Chords are not limited to just combining three notes. Throughout the history of music, composers have developed more complex chords, with additional notes such as the seventh, ninth and others, to enrich the harmony. However, the triad (root, third, and fifth) is the fundamental structure that all other chords are based on.
These elements are responsible for creating harmonic progressions, that is, sequences of chords that give direction to the music and are essential for creating the melody. This is because, while the melody consists of individual notes that follow each other, the chords support and support these notes, offering a harmonic context.
Types of chords and their differences
Chords can be classified into different types, each with its specific characteristics and sound effects. The major ones, formed by the tonic, major third and perfect fifth, are known for their stable, bright and happy sound, and are often used in songs with an upbeat tone.
Already theThe minor chords, composed of the tonic, minor third and perfect fifth, have a more introspective and melancholic sound, being ideal for songs with a sad or dramatic atmosphere.
There are also diminished chords, which have a minor third and a diminished fifth, generating a feeling of tension and instability, and augmented chords, which have an augmented fifth and create a different tension, more focused on suspense or unexpected resolutions.
Other types include suspended (sus) chords, which replace the third with a fourth or second, providing a more open sound, and seventh chords, which add a seventh note and create tension that is resolved by moving to the next chord in the progression.
The formation of chords
The formation of chords is an essential aspect of musical harmony, occurring through the combination of specific notes that follow defined patterns within a scale. The most common model for building chords is the triad, made up of three notes played simultaneously: the tonic, the third and the fifth.
The difference between major and minor chords lies in the interval of the third, which determines the tonality and sensation conveyed by the chord. In the major chord, the third is major and the fifth is just, creating a stable and bright sound. In the minor chord, the third is minor, while the fifth remains tight, generating a more melancholic and introspective sound.
In addition to triads, chord formation can be expanded to include four or more notes, which adds greater complexity and harmonic richness to the music. An example of this are seventh chords, which include an additional seventh note to the triad, creating a denser and more interesting sound.
Within the seventh chords, the major seventh stands out, which conveys a feeling of softness and resolution, and the dominant seventh, which generates tension that awaits resolution in the tonic.
The formation of chords can also be altered by inversions, which modify the arrangement of notes without changing their essential identity. In a chord in root position, the tonic occupies the lowest note, but in inversions, the third or fifth can take this place, creating different harmonic sensations and timbre variations.
The harmonic function of chords
Chords have specific harmonic functions within a tonality, and this relationship is essential for the construction of musical progressions. Each of them plays a unique role in music and the interaction between their functions is what gives the music dynamics and direction.
A tonic is the chord of rest and stability in a key, generally corresponding to the first degree of the scale (I). It conveys the feeling of completion and “home” to the harmony, being the foundation on which the tonality is built. For example, in a key of C major, the C major chord (C) serves as the tonic, providing a sense of rest and resolution within the music.
A dominant It is the function responsible for generating tension and preparing the resolution for the tonic. It is normally represented by the chord on the fifth degree (V) of the scale, such as the G major chord (G) in the key of C major. Often, the dominant chord includes the seventh (V7), which intensifies the sensation of instability and increases the need to return to the tonic, creating a harmonic cycle.
A subdominant, in turn, plays an intermediate role between the tonic and the dominant. Typically, it is based on the fourth scale degree (IV), like the F major (F) chord in C major and has a sound that suggests transition and preparation for the dominant. Its function is to prevent the harmony from becoming monotonous, offering a harmonic change that leads to the tension of the dominant before the final resolution.
Conclusion
Understanding chords and their harmonic functions is fundamental for any musician, regardless of the instrument they play. From the simplest chords, such as major and minor, to the most complex, each type of chord plays an essential role in creating the sound and expressiveness of a musical composition.
Understanding harmonic functions allows you to create more cohesive and exciting musical progressions. The interaction between the tonic, dominant and subdominant directs the music, creating moments of tension and resolution that are capable of capturing the listener’s attention and making the work more dynamic and impactful.
Studying chords is a continuous and enriching process. As the musician delves deeper into this universe, he gains greater creative freedom and artistic expression. With dedication, practice and curiosity, any beginner can build a solid foundation of knowledge and constantly evolve, expanding their possibilities in both the traditional and digital musical environments.
