Chord Construction

The root of a chord is the note that gives the chord its name. For example, the root of a C major chord is C.

The third of a chord is the third note in the chord. It is typically either a major third (4 half steps) or a minor third (3 half steps) above the root.

The fifth of a chord is the fifth note in the chord. It is typically either a perfect fifth (7 half steps) or a diminished fifth (6 half steps) above the root.

The difference between a major and a minor chord is the interval between the root and the third. In a major chord, the interval is a major third (4 half steps), while in a minor chord, the interval is a minor third (3 half steps).

The difference between a diminished and an augmented chord is the interval between the third and the fifth. In a diminished chord, the interval is a diminished fifth (6 half steps), while in an augmented chord, the interval is an augmented fifth (8 half steps).

An inversion of a chord is when any note other than the root is moved to the top of the chord. There are three types of inversions: first inversion (when the third is moved to the top), second inversion (when the fifth is moved to the top), and third inversion (when the seventh is moved to the top).

A suspended chord is a chord that has a missing third. The most common suspended chords are the suspended second chord (which has a major second instead of a major third) and the suspended fourth chord (which has a perfect fourth instead of a major third).

An added chord is a chord that has an added note that is not normally found in the chord. The most common added chords are the added sixth chord, the added seventh chord, and the added ninth chord.

An altered chord is a chord that has an altered note that is normally found in the chord. The most common altered chords are the altered third chord, the altered fifth chord, and the altered seventh chord.

A polychord is a chord that is made up of two or more chords played simultaneously. Polychords can be used to create complex and interesting harmonies.

A cluster chord is a chord that is made up of a group of notes that are close together on the piano keyboard. Cluster chords can be used to create dissonant and atonal harmonies.

A quartal chord is a chord that is made up of fourths. Quartal chords can be used to create open and airy harmonies.

A modal chord is a chord that is based on a scale other than the major or minor scale. Modal chords can be used to create exotic and interesting harmonies.

A chromatic chord is a chord that contains one or more chromatic notes. Chromatic chords can be used to create tension and release in a piece of music.

A secondary dominant chord is a chord that is built on the fifth degree of the scale. Secondary dominant chords can be used to create tension and release in a piece of music.