Topic 5: Chords with Three Notes, The Triads
When we think of music, we often think of melodies and lyrics, but there's a whole other side to music that's just as important: harmony. At the heart of harmony is the chord, which is a group of three or more notes played together to create a specific sound.
The most basic chord in music is the triad, which is made up of three notes played simultaneously. The first note is the root, the second note is the third, and the third note is the fifth. To understand this concept, we start from the interval of third.
Building a major chord
A third can be major or minor. For a major third, the distance between the first note and the second is four semitones (four half steps). For a minor third, the distance is three semitones (three half steps). So, a major triad is the combination of a major third and a minor third. Let's take the C major triad as an example:
the root note is the C Count four semitones to the right direction from C, and you will find the E note. Now, from the E note, count a minor third (three semitones), and you will find the G note.
The key here is to combine the two intervals of thirds, one major and one minor.
Building a minor chord
Now, to find the minor chord of C, you have to "invert" the major chord rule, instead of concatenating the major third and the minor third, you have to concatenate a minor third and a major third, and you will have a minor chord.
But you can go more straightforward, given a major chord of C, simply lower the third by one semitone. The root note is the C. Count three semitones to the right direction from C, and you will find the Eb note. Now, from the Eb note, count a major third (four semitones), and you will find the G note.
Building a dismished chord
Diminished chords are a type of triad that is made up of three notes with intervals of minor thirds. This means that the intervals between the root and the third, and the third and the fifth, are both minor thirds. The interval between the root and the fifth is therefore a diminished fifth.
To find a diminished chord, simply start with any note and count two minor thirds up from that note. The first minor third will be the third of the chord, and the second minor third will be the fifth of the chord.
For example, to find a diminished chord on the note C, we would count two minor thirds up from C. The first minor third is E♭, and the second minor third is G♭. Therefore, a diminished chord on C would be composed of the notes C, E♭, and G♭.
There is a simplest way, lower the fifth by one semitone of a minor chord and you will find a dismished chord.
Here is a table of diminished chords on the white keys of the piano:
| Note | Diminished Chord |
|---|---|
| C | C, Eb, Gb |
| D | D, F, Ab |
| E | E, G, Bb |
| F | F, A, Cb |
| G | G, B, Db |
| A | A, C, Eb |
| B | B, D, F |
Diminished chords are often used to create a sense of tension or suspense in music. They can also be used to add a sense of modality or exoticism to a piece of music.
Here are some examples of how diminished chords are used in music:
The diminished chord is often used in jazz to create a sense of tension or suspense. For example, the diminished chord is used in the famous "Blue Bossa" chord progression.
The diminished chord is also used in classical music to add a sense of modality or exoticism. For example, the diminished chord is used in the opening of "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" by Paul Dukas.
Building an augmented chord
Augmented chords are a type of triad that is made up of three notes with intervals of major thirds. This means that the intervals between the root and the third, and the third and the fifth, are both major thirds. The interval between the root and the fifth is therefore a augmented fifth.
To find an augmented chord, start with any note as root note, and count two major thirds up from that note. The first major third will be the third of the chord, and the second major third will be the fifth of the chord.
For example, to find a diminished chord on the note C, we would count two minor thirds up from C. The first major third is E, and the second minor third is G#. Therefore, a diminished chord on C would be composed of the notes C, E, and G#.
There is a simplest way like in dismished chords, upper the fifth by one semitone of a major chord and you will find a augmented chord.
| Note | Augmented Chord |
|---|---|
| C | C, E, G# |
| C# | C#, F#, A# |
| D | D, F#, B |
| Eb | E, G#, C# |
| E | F#, B, D# |
| F | G, C#, F# |
| F# | G#, D#, A# |
| G | A, E, G# |
| Ab | B, F, A# |
| A | B#, G#, C# |
| Bb | C, F#, B |
| B | C#, G, D |
Here are some of the characteristics of augmented chords:
- Augmented chords are always dissonant chords. This means that they do not sound as consonant or pleasing to the ear as major or minor chords.
- Augmented chords are often used in chromatic chord progressions. This means that they are used to create a sense of movement or change.
- Augmented chords can be used to create a sense of tension or suspense. This is because they create a strong desire for the chord to resolve to a more consonant chord.
Here are some of the places where augmented chords are used in music:
- Jazz: Augmented chords are often used in jazz to create a sense of tension or suspense. For example, the augmented chord is used in the famous "Blue Bossa" chord progression.
- Classical music: Augmented chords are also used in classical music, but they are used less frequently than in jazz. For example, the augmented chord is used in the opening of "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" by Paul Dukas.
- Pop music: Augmented chords are occasionally used in pop music, but they are not as common as in jazz or classical music. For example, the augmented chord is used in the song "All About That Bass" by Meghan Trainor.
Building Suspended Chords
In music, suspended chords, also known as "sus chords," are a type of chord that features a suspended fourth or second instead of the conventional major or minor third. This unique structure introduces a sense of ambiguity and tension, making suspended chords a versatile tool for creating dynamic melodies and harmonies.
Sus4 Chords
A sus4 chord replaces the major or minor third of a standard triad with a perfect fourth. This creates a chord with a somewhat open sound, as the fourth and fifth create a tritone interval, a dissonant interval that adds a touch of unresolved tension. Sus4 chords are often used to lead to a resolution to a major or minor chord, adding a sense of anticipation and movement.
For example, a sus4 chord on the note C would be composed of the notes C, F, and G. This chord has a slightly open and unresolved sound, making it a common choice for leading to a major or minor chord.
How to Build a Sus4 Chord
Sus4 chords are chords that have a fourth in place of the third.
To build a sus4 chord, follow these steps:
- Choose the note you want to use as the root of the chord (C).
- add the IV of the chord (F)
- add the V of the chord (G)
Therefore, the sus4 chord on the note C is composed of the notes C and F and G.
A sus4 chord is a three-note chord that contains the root, the fourth, and the fifth of the chord. The fourth replaces the third of the chord.
Here are some examples of sus4 chords:
- Csus4: C, F, G
- Dsus4: D, G, A
- Esus4: E, A, B
Sus2 Chords
Similarly, a sus2 chord replaces the major or minor third of a standard triad with a perfect second. This creates a chord with a slightly brighter sound, as the second and fifth create a perfect fourth interval, a consonant interval that provides a sense of stability. Sus2 chords are often used to add tension or emphasize the leading tone of a scale.
For example, a sus2 chord on the note C would be composed of the notes C, D, and G. This chord has a slightly brighter sound, making it a common choice for adding tension or emphasizing the leading tone.
How to Build a Sus2 Chord
To build a sus2 chord, follow these steps:
- Choose the note you want to use as the root of the chord. (C)
- Count two semitones above the root. (D)
- add the V of the chord (G)
A sus2 chord is a three-note chord that contains the root, the second, and the fifth of the chord. The second replaces the third of the chord.
Here are some examples of sus2 chords:
- Csus2: C, D, G
- Dsus2: D, E, G
- Esus2: E, F, A
Using Suspended Chords in Music
Suspended chords are a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of musical styles. Here are a few examples of how sus chords are used in music:
- Jazz: Sus chords are often used in jazz to create a sense of swing and improvisation. They can be used to lead to other chords, or they can be used to create suspended dissonances.
- Rock: Sus chords are also common in rock music. They can be used to create a sense of bluesy or rockabilly flavor.
- Pop: Sus chords can also be used in pop music. They can be used to create a sense of pop sensibility and to add variety to chord progressions.
No matter what musical style you're playing, sus chords can be a great way to add tension, release, and color to your music. Experiment with different sus chords and see how they can enrich your songwriting.