How To Build Chords! Triads, Seventh & Extended!

How To Build Chords! Triads, Seventh & Extended!

Building chords on the piano is a fundamental skill. Here’s a guide to help you understand how to create different types of chords:

Basic Triads

A triad consists of three notes:

  1. Root: The starting note of the chord.
  2. Third: A note that is either a major or minor third above the root.
  3. Fifth: A note that is a perfect fifth above the root.

Major Triad

  • Formula: Root + Major Third + Perfect Fifth
  • Example: C Major
    • Notes: C (Root), E (Major Third), G (Perfect Fifth)

Minor Triad

  • Formula: Root + Minor Third + Perfect Fifth
  • Example: A Minor
    • Notes: A (Root), C (Minor Third), E (Perfect Fifth)

Seventh Chords

Seventh chords add a fourth note to the triad:

  1. Major Seventh: Major triad + Major Seventh
    • Example: Cmaj7 → C-E-G-B
  2. Minor Seventh: Minor triad + Minor Seventh
    • Example: Am7 → A-C-E-G
  3. Dominant Seventh: Major triad + Minor Seventh
    • Example: G7 → G-B-D-F
  4. Half-Diminished Seventh: Diminished triad + Minor Seventh
    • Example: Bm7♭5 → B-D-F-A
  5. Fully Diminished Seventh: Diminished triad + Diminished Seventh
    • Example: B°7 → B-D-F-A♭

Extended Chords

These chords add even more notes:

  • Ninth Chords: Add the ninth note to a seventh chord.
    • Example: C9 → C-E-G-B-D
  • Eleventh Chords: Add the eleventh note to a ninth chord.
    • Example: C11 → C-E-G-B-D-F
  • Thirteenth Chords: Add the thirteenth note to an eleventh chord.
    • Example: C13 → C-E-G-B-D-F-A

Inversions

Chords can also be played in different inversions, which rearranges the order of the notes:

  1. Root Position: Root is the lowest note.
  2. First Inversion: Third is the lowest note.
  3. Second Inversion: Fifth is the lowest note.

Tips for Practice

  • Play Each Chord: Familiarize yourself with the sound of each chord.
  • Progressions: Practice common chord progressions (like I-IV-V-I) to see how chords work together.
  • Voice Leading: When transitioning between chords, aim for smooth transitions by minimising movement of your fingers.

By the Stealify Team! 

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