Chords are a fundamental element in music, particularly in genres like rock, pop, and folk, where the guitar is a prominent instrument. Understanding how guitar chords are made not only enhances your guitar playing skills but also deepens your appreciation of music theory.
Chords, derived from the Greek word “χορδή,” are a combination of notes played simultaneously. In music theory, chords are constructed by stacking notes in specific intervals, usually in thirds. These intervals create a harmonious sound that is the backbone of many musical compositions.
On a guitar, chords are typically played by pressing down on several strings at once with one or more fingers, and then strumming or plucking those strings. The exact notes that make up a chord depend on where you place your fingers on the fretboard and which strings you use.
The Building Blocks: Intervals and Scales
Before diving into chord construction, it’s essential to understand intervals and scales.
Intervals: An interval is the distance between two notes. The most common intervals used in chord construction are thirds, which can be major (four semitones) or minor (three semitones).
Scales: A scale is a series of notes arranged in ascending or descending order. The major and minor scales are the most common, and they provide the framework for constructing chords in those keys.
Types of Chords
Now, let’s explore the different types of chords you’ll encounter on the guitar.
Triads (Three-Note Chords)
Major Triad: Consists of the root, a major third, and a perfect fifth. For example, a C major chord includes the notes C (root), E (major third), and G (perfect fifth).
Minor Triad: Consists of the root, a minor third, and a perfect fifth. A C minor chord, for instance, includes C (root), Eb (minor third), and G (perfect fifth).
Augmented Triad: Consists of the root, a major third, and an augmented fifth (a fifth raised by a half step). A C augmented chord includes C, E, and G#.
Diminished Triad: Consists of the root, a minor third, and a diminished fifth (a fifth lowered by a half step). A C diminished chord includes C, Eb, and Gb.
Seventh Chords (Four-Note Chords)
Seventh chords add a seventh interval to a triad, creating a richer harmonic texture.
Major Seventh (Maj7): Adds a major seventh to a major triad. For example, a C major seventh chord includes C, E, G, and B.
Dominant Seventh (7): Adds a minor seventh to a major triad, creating a tense sound often used as a leading chord to resolve to another chord. A C7 chord includes C, E, G, and Bb.
Minor Seventh (m7): Adds a minor seventh to a minor triad. A Cm7 chord includes C, Eb, G, and Bb.
Minor-Major Seventh (mM7): Adds a major seventh to a minor triad, creating a unique and often bright sound. A CmM7 chord includes C, Eb, G, and B.
Half-Diminished Seventh (m7b5): Adds a minor seventh to a diminished triad. A Cm7b5 chord includes C, Eb, Gb, and Bb.
Fully Diminished Seventh (o7): A fully diminished seventh chord is symmetrical, with all intervals being minor thirds. A Co7 chord includes C, Eb, Gb, and A (or Bbb, which is enharmonically equivalent to A).
Extended Chords
Extended chords add additional intervals beyond the seventh, such as ninths, elevenths, and thirteenths. These chords are often found in jazz and fusion music.
Ninth Chord (9): Adds a ninth interval to a seventh chord. For example, a C9 chord includes C, E, G, Bb, and D.
Eleventh Chord (11): Adds an eleventh interval to a ninth chord. A C11 chord might include C, E, G, Bb, D, and F.
Thirteenth Chord (13): Adds a thirteenth interval to an eleventh chord. A C13 chord could include C, E, G, Bb, D, F, and A.
Constructing Chords on the Guitar
Now that you understand the basic types of chords, let’s look at how to construct them on the guitar.
Finding the Root Note
The root note is the foundational pitch of the chord. On the guitar, you can find the root note by locating the appropriate fret on the appropriate string. For instance, the root note C is found on the third fret of the A string (E string in standard tuning) or the first fret of the B string.
Adding the Other Notes
Once you’ve found the root note, you can add the other notes of the chord by using fingerings that are comfortable and efficient. For a C major chord, you would place your first finger on the first fret of the B string, your second finger on the second fret of the D string, and your third finger on the third fret of the G string.
Using Barre Chords
Barre chords are a versatile way to play chords across multiple strings. They involve using one finger to press down on several strings simultaneously at the same fret. For example, an E-shaped barre chord can be played by placing your index finger across the third fret of the E, A, and D strings, and then using your other fingers to play the remaining notes of the chord.
Inverted Chords
Inverted chords are chords where the bass note is not the root. They can create interesting textures and harmonic progressions. For instance, playing a C major chord with the G note (the fifth of the chord) on the bass string creates a C/G chord.
Applying Chords to Songs
Now that you know how to construct chords, it’s time to apply them to songs. Here are some tips:
Identify the Key
The key of a song determines which chords are most likely to be used. If you know the key, you can use chord progressions that are common in that key. For instance, in the key of C major, common chords include C, Dm, Em, F, G, and Am.
Use Chord Charts
Chord charts are a useful tool for learning songs. They show you which chords to play and when to change them. You can find chord charts for many songs online or in music books.
Experiment with Chord Substitutions
Chord substitutions can add variety and interest to your playing. For instance, you can substitute a minor chord for a major chord or vice versa. You can also use chords from related keys or modes.
Write Your Own Songs
Once you understand how chords work, you can start writing your own songs. Experiment with different chord progressions, melodies, and lyrics to create unique compositions.
Advanced Concepts: Chord Voicings and Inversions
As you become more proficient, you’ll want to explore advanced concepts like chord voicings and inversions.
Chord Voicings: Chord voicings refer to the specific notes you choose to include in a chord. Different voicings can have different timbres and textures. For instance, a C major chord can be played with the notes C, E, G, and E (a power chord voicing) or C, E, G, and Bb (a C9 voicing without the ninth in the bass).
Inversions: Inversions involve rearranging the notes of a chord so that a different note is in the bass. This can create new harmonic possibilities and textures. For instance, a first-inversion C major chord (C/E) has E in the bass, followed by G and C.
Conclusion
Understanding how guitar chords are made is a crucial step in becoming a proficient guitarist. By mastering the basics of chord construction, intervals, and scales, you can explore a wide range of chord types and voicings. As you apply this knowledge to songs and start writing your own compositions, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of music theory and a richer, more expressive playing style.
