The Magic of Harmony

If melody is the "story" of a song, harmony (chords) is the "world" that story lives in. Chords set the mood, provide the foundation, and make music feel full. But how do we actually build them? If you've already explored our guides on the major scale and intervals, you have everything you need to become a chord-building pro.

What is a Triad?

A "triad" is the simplest type of chord. It consists of exactly three notes. These notes are built by stacking "thirds" on top of each other. Every triad has a Root, a Third, and a Fifth.

The Four Main Triads

• Major Triad: Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th. (Sounds bright, happy).
• Minor Triad: Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th. (Sounds dark, sad).
• Diminished Triad: Root + Minor 3rd + Diminished 5th. (Sounds tense).
• Augmented Triad: Root + Major 3rd + Augmented 5th. (Sounds dreamy).

Try it yourself: To build a C Major Triad, take the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the C Major scale: C - E - G.

Leveling Up: Seventh Chords

Triads are great, but sometimes they can sound a bit "basic." If you want to add sophistication or jazziness, you add another note on top: the seventh. This results in a four-note chord called a "Seventh Chord."

Common Seventh Chords

• Major 7th (Maj7): Major Triad + Major 7th. (Sounds lush, dreamy). Imagine a "C Maj7": C-E-G-B.
• Dominant 7th (7): Major Triad + Minor 7th. (Sounds bluesy, wants to resolve). Imagine a "C7": C-E-G-Bb. This is common in blues and rock.
• Minor 7th (m7): Minor Triad + Minor 7th. (Sounds mellow, soulful). Imagine a "Cm7": C-Eb-G-Bb.

Why Use Seventh Chords?

Adding that fourth note creates more interaction between the frequencies. In a Major 7th chord, the tension between the Root and the Major 7th creates a beautiful "shimmer" that you don't get with a simple triad.

In songwriting, switching from a basic C chord to a C Maj7 can instantly change the vibe from a simple tune to a professional-sounding ballad.

How to Practice Chord Building

The best way to learn is by doing. Pick a note, find its major scale, and try building the various chords.

1. Start with the "Big Three": C, G, and F major.
2. Master the fingering for triads first.
3. Experiment by adding the 7th note and noticing how the emotional color changes.
4. Try playing through some common chord progressions using seventh chords.

Final Thoughts

Don't be intimidated by the number of chord types. Even the most complex jazz chords are extensions of these building blocks. If you understand triads and seventh chords, you have the foundation of 99% of western music.

Understanding why a chord sounds the way it does is the first step toward musical freedom. Happy playing!