Piano Chords: major, minor, aug & dim v1.04

Shared from  http://www.choose-piano-lessons.com/chord-progression.html on July 30, 2014 1142

Some of the basic chords you need to know are:

• major, 
• minor,
• augmented
• diminished.

Major Chord Theory -

Playing Major Chords on the Piano

On this page you are going to learn some chord theory. The chord that is been featured is the “Major Chord”.

In most cases, the first sets of chords that are introduced to beginner piano players are major chords. This is so because all the other chords such as minor, diminished and augmented are related to major chords and can be created from them. However, it is important to note that chords are used mostly for accompaniment and so they are most effective when a specific melody exist.

So what are major chords?

These are chords that are formed using the 1st, 3rd and 5th notes of a major scale. 

Here is an illustration that will help.

http://www.choose-piano-lessons.com/chord-theory.html

Minor Chords : 

Basic Piano Chords for Beginners

A minor triad can be formed using the same principle as of a major chord. However the degrees of notes use are some what different. Minor chords have a minor or flatted third while major chords have major thirds.

For example - The letters of the C major triad are C, E, and G; while the letters of C minor triad or chord are C, E-flat and G. Remember “E” would be the third note in the C major scale. When E is changed to E-flat, the entire tonality of the chord changes to minor.

Look at the illustration below for more information.

http://www.choose-piano-lessons.com/minor-chords.html 

Augmented Chord: Basic Chord 

An augmented chord may not be as popular as a major or minor chord. However, it is among the group of basic piano chords that all piano players should know. As you set out on your mission in becoming a great piano player it is compulsory that you study the concept that applies to the augmented triad.
Remember, the word “triad” can be used for chords with three notes, and so, you will see the term augmented triad in some books or on some website.

What is an augmented triad or chord?

An augmented chord is a triad with a raised or augmented fifth. In other words, when the fifth note of a major scale is raised or sharpens then that note is considered to be an augmented fifth. This can apply to other notes in the scale.

http://www.choose-piano-lessons.com/diminished-chord.html

Diminished chord theory

The diminished chord is considered to be one of the most unstable chords in music. This means that when it is played it creates tension that demands an onward movement to a stable chord such as a major or minor triad. 

Even though a diminished triad or chord may sound unusual, it plays a very important role in music and is used more frequently as a passing chord or tone. 

Diminished triads or chords are used more often in Jazz and Gospel music. So I would suggest that you start listening to some jazz or gospel music and incorporate them in your practice sessions. 

FORMING DIMINISHED TRIADS OR CHORDS

A diminished triad is easy to form and it is also easy to play on the piano. When forming a diminished triad, all you have to do is to flatten the 2nd and 3rd note of a major chord. For example – the F major chord is played as F, A, C. When the A and C notes are flattened leaving F in its original position, what is been created is the F diminished triad.

You should notice that C flat is the same as B since a flat lowers the pitch of a note by one semitone.

http://www.choose-piano-lessons.com/diminished-chord.htmlhttp://www.choose-piano-lessons.com/diminished-chord.html