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Constructing and dissecting basic chords
Constructing and dissecting basic chords
Building chords
Major Chords officially are at least three notes - root 3rd 5th
A brief look at chord construction
You will want to have your guitar in hand , while reading this,
to compare the tonal qualities of various notes
If the root note is for example C , count up 4 half steps from the C
(C#-D-D#-E) "E" is the major 3rd of C.
Count 7 half steps up from the C (C#-D-D#-E-F-F#-G) "G" is the 5th of
C.
1= root(tonic) note
3= location of the major 3rd (4 half steps)
4= location of the perfect 4th (5 half steps)
5= location of the perfect 5th (7 half steps)
x= just maintains spacing in diagram
On the guitar the positional relationships of the 1st, 3rd, 4th and
5th notes
on strings 3,4,5,6
C root note
E A D G B e
-----------------nut
-----------------
x x 3
-----------------
x 1 4
-----------------
-----------------
x x 5
-----------------
B root note
E A D G B e
-----------------nut
x x 3
-----------------
x 1 4
-----------------
-----------------
x x 5
-----------------
C chord - C , "E"(3rd), "G"(5th)
E A D G B e
-----------------nut
-----------------
x x E
-----------------
x C
-----------------
-----------------
x x G
-----------------
B chord B, D#(3rd) , F#(5th)
E A D G B e
-----------------nut
x x D#
-----------------
x B
-----------------
-----------------
x x F#
-----------------
So you can easily build a (major)chord for any of the notes,
just by looking at the fretboard and counting
Variation
----------
On the 2nd string (B string) there is that positional shift
The B (2 string) the notes are shifted up one fret
For the A at (3 string 2 fret)
A = 1st root or tonic note
C#= 3rd up 4 half steps
E = 5th up 7 half steps
A at (3 string, 2 fret) , C#(3rd), E(5th)
E A D G B e
-----------------nut
-----------------
x x x A C#
-----------------
-----------------
-----------------
x x x x E
-----------------
A at (2 string, open fret)
E A D G B e
x--A-------------nut
-----------------
x - E A C#
-----------------
Basically the lowest note is the name of the chord (not always true)
where ever you begin with a first note, the lowest tone, is the base
to build from
the positional relationship of the Root 3rd and 5th will be similar.
On the guitar the 4th will be at the same fret, but on the next,
higher toned string,
except between strings 3(G) and 2(B)
The beauty of the standard tuning of a guitar begins to reveal some of
it secrets, when we look at the positional relationships of the 1st
3rd, 4th and 5th. The guitar standard tuning is based on a 4ths and
5ths.
This is always a question "Why is the guitar tuned as it is? ". This
is part of the reason
Play the G note on the (6 string, 3 fret,)
let the G ring , at the same time strike the "D" (5 string, 5 fret).
The 5th of G is "D"
Listen to the sweetness of the 1st and 5th played together,.
Just listen to the two notes played together.
Don't analyse the sound, just listen, feel it.
Strike the G and the D# , note the quality of the sound it is awful
Strike the G and the Db , it sounds discordant, out of place.
Get a feel for the sound of the 1st and 5th played together, try it
with all the notes
notice the feeling of cooperation between the 1st and 5th notes
This quality of sound is built into the guitar and its tuning
Another look at why the guitar is tuned as it is,
1st = C
5th = G
start with the C (5 string, 3 fret) we know the 5th of C is the G (4
string, 5 fret)
but look at the G on the 6 string 3 fret.
(see diagram below)
the "G" (6 string, 3 fret) is not the 5th of the C (5 string, 3 fret)
Will it work in a C chord ?? Maybe , but probably not very nicely
E A D G B e
-----------------nut
-----------------
-----------------
G C
-----------------
-----------------
x x G
-----------------
Play the low G and C together.
you are playing G and it's 4th "C",
not C and it's 5th "G"
G and it's 3rd "B", 4th "C" , 5th "D"
E A D G B e
-----------------nut
-----------------
x B
-----------------
G C
-----------------
-----------------
x D
-----------------
Notice that by playing the low G (6 string, 3 fret) with the C (5
string, 3 fret) does not sound sweet, like the C (5 string, 3 fret)
with the G (4 string 5 fret)
This is because in the first case you are playing the 4th of a G.
instead of the 5th note of the C
C and it's 5th "G"
E A D G B e
---------G-------nut
-----------------
-----------------
x C
-----------------
-----------------
x x G
-----------------
The "G" can also be played on the open G string
Based on the example ,
Playing G and C is very different from
Playing C and G.
That is so simplistic a view, it is sorta incorrect, but it serves to
point out
That all Gs are not equal, that octave thing is not simply an
artificial boundary.
It is a actual physical difference in frequency that will alter your
sound quality. An octave is a doubling of a frequerncy.
Octaves and frequency is not a linear relationship, it is exponential
one octave change is double the freqwuency
A = 55 hertz 1/8 x
A =110 hertz 1/4 x
A =220 hertz 1/2 x
A =440 hertz 1 x base tone
A =880 hertz 2 x
? =1320 hertz 3 x not an A note it is an E
A =1760 herts 4 x
One common problem beginners have, is playing all of the notes of a
chord. It is not always best, to play a full chord.
Songbooks (cheat books) show full open chordal positions
these will break your knuckles, trying to switch positions.
The original Artists, may be striking only two notes of a chord, 1st
and 5th (typically).
A full chord, may not even be correct, for a particular song,
but some songbook writers don't care about that.
Songbooks have a lot a variability in quality.
The most accurate Songbooks use 6 to 20 pages for one song, these are
the best, because for a tough intro or solo, they will explain in
detail ,which finger is to be placed at what fret.
So you can be very exact.
The cheat books put a song on every page.
Full chord diagrams - rarely the way originally played
Lyrics - nice but ....
Melody line- Usually the vocal line, in tab for guitar,sorta lame.
These are the the publishers impressions of the music, based on
fitting it into the book neatly, and not the musician's version.
So cheat books may or may not help you.
For a beginner, you can say, "I can play that song", which is
important.
Be aware that it is an illusion of the original song
in some cases, it may harm you.
Because you think this is how the music is constructed and played,
when it is not played like that at all. And so you spend valuble
practice time, learning it, a hard way, or impossible way, when it is
easier to play it, on the guitar, using the artist's original methods.
Often you must modify the chord diagrams in cheat books, to be able to
maintain timing, or if you want to sound like the original artists,
That process takes a bit of experience, basically knowing the songs
key signature, and knowing how to construct the chord you want.
As always, all opinions and comments are welcome
I only point out generalities, and can only scratch the surface.
We all look forward to future discussions.
Pholtron
(Go-Bot)
<--====-->
All learning -
begins in darknesssssss,
and ends, in the lighttttt.
Building chords
Major Chords officially are at least three notes - root 3rd 5th
A brief look at chord construction
You will want to have your guitar in hand , while reading this,
to compare the tonal qualities of various notes
If the root note is for example C , count up 4 half steps from the C
(C#-D-D#-E) "E" is the major 3rd of C.
Count 7 half steps up from the C (C#-D-D#-E-F-F#-G) "G" is the 5th of
C.
1= root(tonic) note
3= location of the major 3rd (4 half steps)
4= location of the perfect 4th (5 half steps)
5= location of the perfect 5th (7 half steps)
x= just maintains spacing in diagram
On the guitar the positional relationships of the 1st, 3rd, 4th and
5th notes
on strings 3,4,5,6
C root note
E A D G B e
-----------------nut
-----------------
x x 3
-----------------
x 1 4
-----------------
-----------------
x x 5
-----------------
B root note
E A D G B e
-----------------nut
x x 3
-----------------
x 1 4
-----------------
-----------------
x x 5
-----------------
C chord - C , "E"(3rd), "G"(5th)
E A D G B e
-----------------nut
-----------------
x x E
-----------------
x C
-----------------
-----------------
x x G
-----------------
B chord B, D#(3rd) , F#(5th)
E A D G B e
-----------------nut
x x D#
-----------------
x B
-----------------
-----------------
x x F#
-----------------
So you can easily build a (major)chord for any of the notes,
just by looking at the fretboard and counting
Variation
----------
On the 2nd string (B string) there is that positional shift
The B (2 string) the notes are shifted up one fret
For the A at (3 string 2 fret)
A = 1st root or tonic note
C#= 3rd up 4 half steps
E = 5th up 7 half steps
A at (3 string, 2 fret) , C#(3rd), E(5th)
E A D G B e
-----------------nut
-----------------
x x x A C#
-----------------
-----------------
-----------------
x x x x E
-----------------
A at (2 string, open fret)
E A D G B e
x--A-------------nut
-----------------
x - E A C#
-----------------
Basically the lowest note is the name of the chord (not always true)
where ever you begin with a first note, the lowest tone, is the base
to build from
the positional relationship of the Root 3rd and 5th will be similar.
On the guitar the 4th will be at the same fret, but on the next,
higher toned string,
except between strings 3(G) and 2(B)
The beauty of the standard tuning of a guitar begins to reveal some of
it secrets, when we look at the positional relationships of the 1st
3rd, 4th and 5th. The guitar standard tuning is based on a 4ths and
5ths.
This is always a question "Why is the guitar tuned as it is? ". This
is part of the reason
Play the G note on the (6 string, 3 fret,)
let the G ring , at the same time strike the "D" (5 string, 5 fret).
The 5th of G is "D"
Listen to the sweetness of the 1st and 5th played together,.
Just listen to the two notes played together.
Don't analyse the sound, just listen, feel it.
Strike the G and the D# , note the quality of the sound it is awful
Strike the G and the Db , it sounds discordant, out of place.
Get a feel for the sound of the 1st and 5th played together, try it
with all the notes
notice the feeling of cooperation between the 1st and 5th notes
This quality of sound is built into the guitar and its tuning
Another look at why the guitar is tuned as it is,
1st = C
5th = G
start with the C (5 string, 3 fret) we know the 5th of C is the G (4
string, 5 fret)
but look at the G on the 6 string 3 fret.
(see diagram below)
the "G" (6 string, 3 fret) is not the 5th of the C (5 string, 3 fret)
Will it work in a C chord ?? Maybe , but probably not very nicely
E A D G B e
-----------------nut
-----------------
-----------------
G C
-----------------
-----------------
x x G
-----------------
Play the low G and C together.
you are playing G and it's 4th "C",
not C and it's 5th "G"
G and it's 3rd "B", 4th "C" , 5th "D"
E A D G B e
-----------------nut
-----------------
x B
-----------------
G C
-----------------
-----------------
x D
-----------------
Notice that by playing the low G (6 string, 3 fret) with the C (5
string, 3 fret) does not sound sweet, like the C (5 string, 3 fret)
with the G (4 string 5 fret)
This is because in the first case you are playing the 4th of a G.
instead of the 5th note of the C
C and it's 5th "G"
E A D G B e
---------G-------nut
-----------------
-----------------
x C
-----------------
-----------------
x x G
-----------------
The "G" can also be played on the open G string
Based on the example ,
Playing G and C is very different from
Playing C and G.
That is so simplistic a view, it is sorta incorrect, but it serves to
point out
That all Gs are not equal, that octave thing is not simply an
artificial boundary.
It is a actual physical difference in frequency that will alter your
sound quality. An octave is a doubling of a frequerncy.
Octaves and frequency is not a linear relationship, it is exponential
one octave change is double the freqwuency
A = 55 hertz 1/8 x
A =110 hertz 1/4 x
A =220 hertz 1/2 x
A =440 hertz 1 x base tone
A =880 hertz 2 x
? =1320 hertz 3 x not an A note it is an E
A =1760 herts 4 x
One common problem beginners have, is playing all of the notes of a
chord. It is not always best, to play a full chord.
Songbooks (cheat books) show full open chordal positions
these will break your knuckles, trying to switch positions.
The original Artists, may be striking only two notes of a chord, 1st
and 5th (typically).
A full chord, may not even be correct, for a particular song,
but some songbook writers don't care about that.
Songbooks have a lot a variability in quality.
The most accurate Songbooks use 6 to 20 pages for one song, these are
the best, because for a tough intro or solo, they will explain in
detail ,which finger is to be placed at what fret.
So you can be very exact.
The cheat books put a song on every page.
Full chord diagrams - rarely the way originally played
Lyrics - nice but ....
Melody line- Usually the vocal line, in tab for guitar,sorta lame.
These are the the publishers impressions of the music, based on
fitting it into the book neatly, and not the musician's version.
So cheat books may or may not help you.
For a beginner, you can say, "I can play that song", which is
important.
Be aware that it is an illusion of the original song
in some cases, it may harm you.
Because you think this is how the music is constructed and played,
when it is not played like that at all. And so you spend valuble
practice time, learning it, a hard way, or impossible way, when it is
easier to play it, on the guitar, using the artist's original methods.
Often you must modify the chord diagrams in cheat books, to be able to
maintain timing, or if you want to sound like the original artists,
That process takes a bit of experience, basically knowing the songs
key signature, and knowing how to construct the chord you want.
As always, all opinions and comments are welcome
I only point out generalities, and can only scratch the surface.
We all look forward to future discussions.
Pholtron
(Go-Bot)
<--====-->
All learning -
begins in darknesssssss,
and ends, in the lighttttt.
Re: Constructing and dissecting basic chords
On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:21:43 -0700, Pholtron <Today@istheday . com > wrote:
>Building chords
>Major Chords officially are at least three notes - root 3rd 5th
>A brief look at chord construction
<snip>
Thank you for this clear, concise lesson.
Excellent!
On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:21:43 -0700, Pholtron <Today@istheday . com > wrote:
>Building chords
>Major Chords officially are at least three notes - root 3rd 5th
>A brief look at chord construction
<snip>
Thank you for this clear, concise lesson.
Excellent!
Re: Constructing and dissecting basic chords
On Apr 16, 6:42=EF=BF=BDpm, ******* <N...@am.please> wrote:
> On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:21:43 -0700, Pholtron <To...@istheday . com > wrote:
> >Building =EF=BF=BDchords
> >Major Chords officially are at least three notes =EF=BF=BD- =EF=BF=BDroot=
3rd 5th
> >A brief look at chord construction
>
> <snip>
>
> Thank you for this clear, concise lesson.
>
> Excellent!
I agree that Pholtron's post is excellent. What gave me a handle on
harmony is the understanding of triad scales and inversions on the
keyboard. I need to move that information over to the gyitar,
though. I know what I need to do, I just need to do the work.
On Apr 16, 6:42=EF=BF=BDpm, ******* <N...@am.please> wrote:
> On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:21:43 -0700, Pholtron <To...@istheday . com > wrote:
> >Building =EF=BF=BDchords
> >Major Chords officially are at least three notes =EF=BF=BD- =EF=BF=BDroot=
3rd 5th
> >A brief look at chord construction
>
> <snip>
>
> Thank you for this clear, concise lesson.
>
> Excellent!
I agree that Pholtron's post is excellent. What gave me a handle on
harmony is the understanding of triad scales and inversions on the
keyboard. I need to move that information over to the gyitar,
though. I know what I need to do, I just need to do the work.
Re: Constructing and dissecting basic chords
On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:52:45 -0700 (PDT), Muso
<MikeMandaville@aol . com > wrote:
>On Apr 16, 6:42?pm, ******* <N...@am.please> wrote:
>> On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:21:43 -0700, Pholtron <To...@istheday . com > wrote:
>> >Building ?chords
>> >Major Chords officially are at least three notes ?- ?root 3rd 5th
>> >A brief look at chord construction
>>
>> <snip>
>>
>> Thank you for this clear, concise lesson.
>>
>> Excellent!
>
>I agree that Pholtron's post is excellent. What gave me a handle on
>harmony is the understanding of triad scales and inversions on the
>keyboard. I need to move that information over to the gyitar,
>though. I know what I need to do, I just need to do the work.
I know what you mean, after playing a keyboard, I would convert the
songs and chords to a guitar.
It was something that I did, now and then, for a few years, converting
back and forth.
I could not find any direct relationship between the dots on the
fretboard and the black or white keys.
Eventually, I just let the keyboards go, and work with the frets, but
the comparison of the two was a big help in understanding chord
construction.
Now my keyboard skills are gone.
E-F
B-C
are the odd balls.
Pholtron
(Go-Bot)
<--====-->
All learning -
begins in darknesssssss,
and ends, in the lighttttt.
On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:52:45 -0700 (PDT), Muso
<MikeMandaville@aol . com > wrote:
>On Apr 16, 6:42?pm, ******* <N...@am.please> wrote:
>> On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:21:43 -0700, Pholtron <To...@istheday . com > wrote:
>> >Building ?chords
>> >Major Chords officially are at least three notes ?- ?root 3rd 5th
>> >A brief look at chord construction
>>
>> <snip>
>>
>> Thank you for this clear, concise lesson.
>>
>> Excellent!
>
>I agree that Pholtron's post is excellent. What gave me a handle on
>harmony is the understanding of triad scales and inversions on the
>keyboard. I need to move that information over to the gyitar,
>though. I know what I need to do, I just need to do the work.
I know what you mean, after playing a keyboard, I would convert the
songs and chords to a guitar.
It was something that I did, now and then, for a few years, converting
back and forth.
I could not find any direct relationship between the dots on the
fretboard and the black or white keys.
Eventually, I just let the keyboards go, and work with the frets, but
the comparison of the two was a big help in understanding chord
construction.
Now my keyboard skills are gone.
E-F
B-C
are the odd balls.
Pholtron
(Go-Bot)
<--====-->
All learning -
begins in darknesssssss,
and ends, in the lighttttt.
Re: Constructing and dissecting basic chords
Thank you for the easier to
understand postings.
Especially helpful when you
are self learning.
"Pholtron" <Today@istheday . com > wrote in message
news:v3ce041332funcupodnbkj699q1socc10e@4ax . com ...
> On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:52:45 -0700 (PDT), Muso
> <MikeMandaville@aol . com > wrote:
>
>>On Apr 16, 6:42?pm, ******* <N...@am.please> wrote:
>>> On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:21:43 -0700, Pholtron <To...@istheday . com > wrote:
>>> >Building ?chords
>>> >Major Chords officially are at least three notes ?- ?root 3rd 5th
>>> >A brief look at chord construction
>>>
>>> <snip>
>>>
>>> Thank you for this clear, concise lesson.
>>>
>>> Excellent!
>>
>>I agree that Pholtron's post is excellent. What gave me a handle on
>>harmony is the understanding of triad scales and inversions on the
>>keyboard. I need to move that information over to the gyitar,
>>though. I know what I need to do, I just need to do the work.
>
>
>
> I know what you mean, after playing a keyboard, I would convert the
> songs and chords to a guitar.
>
> It was something that I did, now and then, for a few years, converting
> back and forth.
> I could not find any direct relationship between the dots on the
> fretboard and the black or white keys.
>
> Eventually, I just let the keyboards go, and work with the frets, but
> the comparison of the two was a big help in understanding chord
> construction.
> Now my keyboard skills are gone.
>
> E-F
> B-C
> are the odd balls.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Pholtron
> (Go-Bot)
> <--====-->
>
> All learning -
> begins in darknesssssss,
> and ends, in the lighttttt.
Thank you for the easier to
understand postings.
Especially helpful when you
are self learning.
"Pholtron" <Today@istheday . com > wrote in message
news:v3ce041332funcupodnbkj699q1socc10e@4ax . com ...
> On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:52:45 -0700 (PDT), Muso
> <MikeMandaville@aol . com > wrote:
>
>>On Apr 16, 6:42?pm, ******* <N...@am.please> wrote:
>>> On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:21:43 -0700, Pholtron <To...@istheday . com > wrote:
>>> >Building ?chords
>>> >Major Chords officially are at least three notes ?- ?root 3rd 5th
>>> >A brief look at chord construction
>>>
>>> <snip>
>>>
>>> Thank you for this clear, concise lesson.
>>>
>>> Excellent!
>>
>>I agree that Pholtron's post is excellent. What gave me a handle on
>>harmony is the understanding of triad scales and inversions on the
>>keyboard. I need to move that information over to the gyitar,
>>though. I know what I need to do, I just need to do the work.
>
>
>
> I know what you mean, after playing a keyboard, I would convert the
> songs and chords to a guitar.
>
> It was something that I did, now and then, for a few years, converting
> back and forth.
> I could not find any direct relationship between the dots on the
> fretboard and the black or white keys.
>
> Eventually, I just let the keyboards go, and work with the frets, but
> the comparison of the two was a big help in understanding chord
> construction.
> Now my keyboard skills are gone.
>
> E-F
> B-C
> are the odd balls.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Pholtron
> (Go-Bot)
> <--====-->
>
> All learning -
> begins in darknesssssss,
> and ends, in the lighttttt.
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