what goes on chords

3 min read 02-02-2025

Chords are the building blocks of harmony in music. Understanding what goes on within a chord is key to unlocking musical creativity and comprehension. This article delves into the inner workings of chords, explaining their construction, function, and how they create the rich tapestry of sound we experience in music.

The Anatomy of a Chord: Notes and Intervals

At its core, a chord is a group of three or more notes played simultaneously. These notes aren't random; they're carefully selected based on their intervals – the distances between them. The most basic chord is a triad, consisting of three notes. Let's break down a common major triad:

Root: The foundational note of the chord, giving it its name (e.g., C major).
Major Third: A major third interval above the root (four semitones). In our C major example, this is E.
Perfect Fifth: A perfect fifth interval above the root (seven semitones). In C major, this is G.

These intervals create a specific sonic quality. The major third and perfect fifth in a major triad produce a bright, stable sound.

Minor Chords and Other Variations

Not all chords are major. A minor triad has the same notes as a major triad, but the third is a minor third (three semitones) below the major third. This creates a darker, more somber sound.

Beyond triads, we have seventh chords, ninth chords, and even more complex variations. Each added note introduces new harmonic possibilities and colors the sound. These added notes often create tension and resolution, crucial elements in musical composition.

The Function of Chords in Music

Chords don't just exist in isolation; they work together to create musical structure and meaning. In Western music, we often think of chords in terms of their function within a key:

Tonic (I): The home base, the most stable chord in a key. It provides a sense of resolution and rest.
Dominant (V): A powerful chord that creates tension and naturally leads back to the tonic.
Subdominant (IV): Creates a sense of anticipation, often leading to the dominant or tonic.

These functions are not rigid rules, but guidelines that composers and musicians use to create musical flow and emotional impact. The interplay between these functional chords is what drives the progression and narrative of a piece of music.

Beyond Basic Triads: Exploring More Complex Chords

As mentioned, music explores chords far beyond the basic triad. Adding notes to a triad creates more complex chords with unique characteristics:

Seventh Chords: Adding a seventh creates more dissonance and complexity. Major seventh chords are bright, while minor seventh chords are darker, and dominant seventh chords are full of tension.
Ninth, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Chords: Adding even more notes increases the complexity and richness of the chord. These chords are often used in jazz and other genres.

Understanding the interplay of these notes within each chord type helps to understand the overall sound and feeling.

Understanding Inversions

Another important aspect of chords is inversion. Inversions change the order of the notes without changing the chord's quality. The bass note in an inversion significantly affects the sound and feel of a chord progression.

Analyzing Chord Progressions: Putting it All Together

Chord progressions are sequences of chords that create a musical phrase or section. Analyzing these progressions involves understanding the function of each chord and how they relate to each other. Looking at the intervals between chords, and the way the bass line moves, further clarifies the harmonic movement. By understanding the individual chords and their relationship within the progression, we can grasp the overall structure and emotion of the music.

Analyzing a piece of music, even a simple song, with an understanding of chord function, intervals, and progressions reveals a deeper appreciation for the composer's choices.

Conclusion

The world of chords is far richer and more complex than simply naming them. Understanding the interplay of notes, intervals, functions, and inversions reveals the magic behind harmony and musical structure. By focusing on what goes on within each chord, we develop a deeper appreciation for music and unlock greater creative potential.