Guitar chords are the building blocks of countless musical compositions across various genres, from the soothing melodies of folk to the energetic rhythms of rock. Among these chords, the 1 3 5 chords hold a special place. They are fundamental to understanding harmony, chord construction, and the overall soundscape of a piece. Whether you’re a novice guitarist just starting to explore the fretboard or an experienced musician looking to refine your knowledge, a deep understanding of 1 3 5 guitar chords is essential. In this comprehensive article, we will demystify these chords, exploring their structure, how they function in different musical contexts, and how you can effectively incorporate them into your playing.
The Basics of 1 3 5 Chords
Triad Chords Defined
1 3 5 chords are more formally known as triad chords. The numbers 1, 3, and 5 refer to the degrees of the major scale from which the chord is derived. In a major scale, the first note is the root, the third note is the third, and the fifth note is the fifth. When these three notes are stacked in thirds, they form a triad chord. For example, in the key of C major, the C major scale consists of the notes C D E F G A B. The C major triad chord (a 1 3 5 chord) is made up of the root note C (the 1st degree of the scale), the third note E (the 3rd degree), and the fifth note G (the 5th degree). This basic structure provides the foundation for a wide range of more complex chords and musical progressions.
The Role of Each Note
The Root (1): The root note is the foundation of the chord. It gives the chord its name. In a C major triad, C is the root. All other notes in the chord are related to this root. When you play a C major chord, the C note serves as the central point around which the other notes revolve. The root note is often emphasized in basslines and chord progressions, providing stability and a sense of tonal center.
The Third (3): The third note of the triad determines whether the chord is major or minor. In a major triad, the third is a major third above the root. In the case of a C major chord, the third (E) is four half-steps above the root (C). If the third were a minor third (three half-steps above the root), the chord would be a minor chord. For example, in a C minor triad, the third note is Eb, which is a minor third above C. The third adds color and character to the chord, making it either bright and consonant (in the case of a major third) or darker and more dissonant (in the case of a minor third).
The Fifth (5): The fifth note of the triad adds fullness to the sound. In a C major triad, the fifth (G) is seven half-steps above the root (C). The fifth helps to complete the basic harmonic structure of the chord. While it may not be as prominent as the root or the third in some musical contexts, it plays an important role in creating a rich, well- rounded sound. For instance, when strumming a C major chord, the G note blends with the C and E notes to give the chord its characteristic fullness.
Constructing 1 3 5 Chords in Different Keys
Major Keys
C Major: As mentioned earlier, the C major triad consists of C (root), E (third), and G (fifth). On the guitar, there are several ways to play this chord. One common open- position chord shape has the root C on the 5th string, 3rd fret, the third E on the 3rd string, open, and the fifth G on the 2nd string, 3rd fret. This shape allows for a full- sounding C major chord that is easy to play for beginners.
G Major: In the key of G major, the G major scale is G A B C D E F#. The G major triad (1 3 5) is composed of G (root), B (third), and D (fifth). A common open-position G major chord shape has the root G on the 6th string, 3rd fret, the third B on the 5th string, 2nd fret, and the fifth D on the 1st string, 2nd fret. This shape provides a bright and resonant G major sound.
D Major: The D major scale is D E F# G A B C#. The D major triad consists of D (root), F# (third), and A (fifth). An open-position D major chord can be played with the root D on the 4th string, open, the third F# on the 3rd string, 2nd fret, and the fifth A on the 2nd string, 3rd fret. This chord shape is widely used in many popular songs.
Minor Keys
A Minor: The A minor scale is A B C D E F G. The A minor triad (1 3 5) is made up of A (root), C (third), and E (fifth). Notice that the third in an A minor triad is a minor third (C is three half-steps above A). An open-position A minor chord can be played with the root A on the 5th string, open, the third C on the 4th string, 2nd fret, and the fifth E on the 3rd string, open. This chord has a darker, more introspective sound compared to its major counterparts.
E Minor: In the key of E minor, the E minor scale is E F# G A B C D. The E minor triad consists of E (root), G (third), and B (fifth). An open-position E minor chord has the root E on the 6th string, open, the third G on the 5th string, 2nd fret, and the fifth B on the 4th string, 2nd fret. This chord is commonly used in folk, rock, and blues music to add a touch of melancholy.
1 3 5 Chords in Chord Progressions
Common Progressions
I-IV-V: ne of the most common chord progressions in Western music is the I-IV-V progression, where I, IV, and V represent the 1st, 4th, and 5th degree chords of a major scale respectively. For example, in the key of C major, the I-IV-V progression would be C (I), F (IV), and G (V). These are all 1 3 5 triad chords. This progression creates a sense of movement and resolution. The C chord (I) provides a stable starting point, the F chord (IV) adds tension, and the G chord (V) leads back to the C chord, creating a satisfying musical arc. Many well-known songs, such as “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles, use this classic I-IV-V progression.
I-V-vi-IV: Another popular progression is the I-V-vi-IV progression. In the key of C major, this would be C (I), G (V), Am (vi), and F (IV). Here, the Am chord is a minor triad (1 3 5 in the A minor scale), while the C, G, and F chords are major triads. This progression has a more complex harmonic structure, with the minor Am chord adding a different color to the sequence. It can be heard in songs like “Love Story” by Taylor Swift.
Function of 1 3 5 Chords in Progressions
In chord progressions, 1 3 5 chords serve different functions. The I chord (the chord built on the first degree of the scale) is the tonic chord. It provides a sense of stability and home. The IV chord (subdominant) often creates a feeling of tension and movement away from the tonic. The V chord (dominant) has a strong pull towards the I chord, creating a sense of anticipation and leading to resolution when it returns to the I chord. Minor 1 3 5 chords, like the vi chord in a major key, can add a touch of contrast and emotional depth to the progression.
Inversions of 1 3 5 Chords
First Inversion
In a first-inversion chord, the third of the triad is the lowest-sounding note. For example, in a C major triad (C E G), the first-inversion would be E G C. On the guitar, a common first-inversion C major chord shape is played with the E (third) on the 6th string, 2nd fret, the G (fifth) on the 5th string, 3rd fret, and the C (root) on the 1st string, 1st fret. First-inversion chords can change the bassline of a chord progression, adding variety and a different harmonic flavor. They can also make it easier to transition between chords in some cases.
Second Inversion
In a second-inversion chord, the fifth of the triad is the lowest-sounding note. Using the C major triad as an example, the second-inversion would be G C E. A second-inversion C major chord on the guitar can be played with the G (fifth) on the 6th string, 3rd fret, the C (root) on the 5th string, 3rd fret, and the E (third) on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Second-inversion chords are often used in classical music and can create a sense of suspension and resolution when used in appropriate chord progressions.
Advanced Applications of 1 3 5 Chords
Adding Extensions
Beyond the basic 1 3 5 structure, guitarists can add extensions to these chords to create more complex sounds. For example, adding a seventh note to a 1 3 5 triad creates a seventh chord. In a C major triad (C E G), adding a B (the seventh note of the C major scale) creates a C major seventh chord (C E G B). Other extensions include the ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth. These extensions can add richness and sophistication to the sound, and are commonly used in jazz, rock, and pop music.
Using 1 3 5 Chords in Arpeggios
Arpeggios are broken chords where the notes of the chord are played one at a time instead of simultaneously. Playing 1 3 5 chord arpeggios is a great way to improve finger dexterity and to understand the individual notes of a chord. For example, a C major arpeggio (a 1 3 5 arpeggio in this case) would involve playing the C, E, and G notes in sequence, either ascending or descending. Arpeggios can be used in solos, intros, and outros to add a melodic element to a song.
Conclusion
1 3 5 guitar chords, or triad chords, are the cornerstone of guitar harmony and playing. From their basic construction using the root, third, and fifth notes of a scale to their wide-ranging applications in different keys, chord progressions, inversions, and advanced techniques, these chords offer a wealth of musical possibilities. Whether you’re strumming simple chords for a campfire sing-along or crafting intricate musical arrangements, a solid understanding of 1 3 5 chords is essential. By mastering these chords and their various applications, you can unlock new levels of creativity and proficiency in your guitar playing, and bring your musical ideas to life.
