Guitar Chords Theory
Understanding guitar chords is fundamental to becoming a skilled player. In this section, we’ll break down the theory behind major, minor, and 7th chords, which are the building blocks of countless songs. Let’s dive into how these chords are formed and what makes them unique.
Pro Tip: For a better understanding of 7th chords, check out the video below that explains their construction and sound in more detail!
Major Chords
A major chord is built using three notes: the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of a scale.
For example, the C major chord is derived from the C major scale:
C, D, E, F, G, A, B.
To form the chord, we take the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes:
C (1st), E (3rd), and G (5th).
When played together, these notes create the bright and happy sound of a major chord. Every major chord is built using a similar process, but with different notes depending on the key.
Minor Chords
A minor chord is also built with three notes: the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of a minor scale. However, the 3rd note is lowered (flattened), which gives the minor chord its darker, more somber sound.
For example, the C minor chord comes from the C minor scale:
C, D, D#, F, G, G#, A#.
To form the chord, we take the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes:
C (1st), D# (3rd), and G (5th).
When played together, these notes create the melancholic sound of a minor chord. Like major chords, every minor chord is built with a unique set of notes depending on the scale.
Maj7 Chords
A Maj7 chord (Major 7th) is a major chord with an added 7th note. It’s denoted by the chord name followed by “Maj7” (e.g., CMaj7).
To create a Maj7 chord, we take the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th notes of the major scale.
For example, in the C major scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, B), we take:
C (1st), E (3rd), G (5th), and B (7th).
When played together, these notes form the smooth, jazzy sound of a Maj7 chord.
Dominant 7th Chords
A Dominant 7th chord (written simply as “7”, e.g., C7) is similar to a Maj7 chord, but with a flat 7th note. The flat 7th gives the dominant 7th chord its unique, tense sound, often used in blues and rock music.
For example, in the C major scale, the notes are:
C (1st), E (3rd), G (5th), and B (7th).
To create the C7 chord, we flat the 7th note (B becomes Bb) and play:
C, E, G, and Bb.
This creates the characteristic sound of a Dominant 7th chord, often leading back to the tonic chord.
Minor 7th Chords
A Minor 7th chord (denoted as “m7”, e.g., Cm7) is a minor chord with an added 7th note. It’s similar to the Minor chord, but with a more complex and richer sound due to the addition of the 7th note.
For example, in the C minor scale (C, D, D#, F, G, G#, A#), the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th notes are:
C (1st), D# (3rd), G (5th), and A# (7th).
When played together, these notes form the distinctive, soulful sound of a Minor 7th chord.
