Description
A chord is built by playing the 1st scale degree-note (root), the 3rd degree-note and 5th scale degree-note of any given scale together. This forms what is also known as a triadic sequence. I informally call this the Leapfrog Principle because we start on a note (C) and "leap over" the next note (D) to use the following note in building the chord (E). Leap again over the (F) and use the (G). Hence, the chord is built from the C major scale is the notes C-E-G; the C major chord. This is the basic principle known as Triadic Harmony. This is the process of harmonzing the major scale.
The distance (the interval) between the notes of the chord gives us the formula for all major chords: 1st note of chord, 4 half steps (or 2 whole steps), 3rd note of chord, 3 half steps (or 1 and a half steps), 5th note of chord.
A chord can be played in many different configurations on the fretboard.
E |----|--------|-----------|
B |----|--------|-----------|
G |-0--|--------|-----------|
D |-2--|-- 2-5--|-----------|
A |-3--|-3------|-3--7--10--|
E |----|--------|-----------|
C major chord examples
These tutorials explain more about how chords are built from scales and the relationship between them:
Scales And Chords Relationships
Using Scales to Connect Chords Exercise 1
Using Scales to Connect Chords Exercise 2
Introduction to Triads & Chord Inversions
Lesson Info
