Basic Chord Theory

​What are Chords?

​A chord, in music, is any harmonic set of pitches/frequencies consisting of multiple notes (also called "pitches") that are heard as if sounding simultaneously

In a simple language : When two or more notes are played together, it's called a CHORD.

​Formula for major and minor triads

​Major Chord Formula:

The chord formula for major chords is 1-3-5.

We take the 1^st, 3^rd, and 5^th note of the major scale to create this chord.

Example: So a C Major chord has the notes C-E-G because the 1^st, 3^rd, and 5^th are C, E and G

Note Number	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	7th
Note	C	D	E	F	G	A	B

Minor Chord Formula:

The formula for minor chords is 1 - b3 (flat 3) - 5.

It's similar to the major chord except that the middle note has been lowered by a

In other words the distance (or interval) between the root and the 3rd is smaller than in the major chord.

That interval is called a minor 3rd and that's why the chord is called MINOR.

Example: So a C minor chord has the notes C-Eb-G because the 1^st, b3^rd, and 5^th are C, Eb (D#) and G

​All Major and Minor Chords