The beauty of the melody is created using a harmonious combination of sounds. For example, if you simply pinch certain strings on a guitar and draw along the strings, there will be little harmony in such a sound. Before you start extracting sounds from a musical instrument, it is worth introducing yourself to the world of chords.
What are chords?
A chord is a combination of sounds produced simultaneously. This design is obtained using intervals. The interval indicates the distance between the sounds (tone, semitone, quarter tone, etc.). Depending on the number of tones and midtones, a specific name is assigned to it (prima, tone, third, quart, etc.). The chord consists of 3, 4 or 5 sounds.
The structure of the chord is subject to the following law:
- a certain interval is attached to the lower sound (“before”) (for example, a third);
- then another sound is added to them - the fifth;
- the fourth intonation - septima - joins the existing notes.
The result is a seventh note of four notes. Playing the guitar requires knowledge of the basic musical structures. It is worth deciding on what chords are - what is it and how to use them?
Types of Chords
All chords are classified according to the number of notes used and the intervals between them. By the amount of intonation, they distinguish:
- triads;
- seventh chords;
- fifths, fourths, etc.
Triads are divided into major (large), minor (small), increased and decreased. This is the interval classification.
There are two ways to play with chords. The simultaneous extraction of sound is called harmonic. The melodic game is characterized by the presence of intervals between sounds. For example, busting on a guitar is an example of a melodic game using a chord. After we have decided on the concept of “chords” (what they are and what kinds of them exist), we can go a little deeper into musical notation.
Major chords
Major chords sound fun, provocatively. They consist of the main tone (to which all the others are added), and notes located at 4 and 7 semitones (third and fifth, respectively) from it.
The major chord is the G. chord. It is one of the most popular musical structures used by beginner guitarists. It consists of notes “salt”, “si” and “re”. Clamping it on the neck is quite simple:
- the first string must be clamped on the 3rd fret with the little finger;
- the second string must be clamped on the same fret with the ring finger;
- the third and fourth strings are left open;
- the fifth string should be clamped on the second fret with the index finger;
- the sixth string must be clamped with the middle finger on the third fret.
Another example of major constructions is the F. chord. It is formed by the notes “fa”, “la” and “do”. The chord is clamped as follows:
- strings 1, 2 and 6 are clamped with the index finger using the barre;
- string 3 must be clamped on the second fret with the middle finger;
- string 4 should be clamped with the little finger on the third fret;
- the fifth string should be clamped on the third fret with the ring finger.
There are a large number of major chords based on various patterns, including G and F. Also, many constructions of type A and C are among them. In addition to major constructions, minor chords are often used. What is a minor and what are its features, it is worth understanding in more detail.
Minor chords
The difference between minor chords lies in their sad intonations, sad motives. The interval between the first and second tones in minor is one third less than in major. The design of such a chord is based on the principle of "1 + 3 + 4". When you create it from the main note, you must first step back 4 semitones and then 3.
Minor guitar chords are represented by the following designs: Cm, Fm, Em, Dm, Am, Bm and Gm. In the designation of each of them there is a prefix letter "m". The most popular is the Em chord. It is used in many Russian songs played with a guitar. It consists of notes “mi”, “salt” and “si”. The chord is clamped as follows:
- the fourth string is clamped with a ring finger on the second fret;
- the fifth string - in the second fret with the middle finger.
The Accord Chord is characterized by soft sound and ease of expansion. Novice guitarists use it very often.
A successful combination of major and minor chords allows you to create attractive melodies that delight you with their energy and beauty. Professional musicians are constantly experimenting with such combinations, choosing the best sound.