Difference between major and minor chords

Now, about the theory: The difference between major and minor chords is this: A major chord consists of a 1st, 3rd, and 5th degree of a major scale while a minor chord is made from the 1st, flatted 3rd, and 5th degrees of a major scale. So the only difference is the 3rd degree.

1. How do you know if a chord is major or minor?
2. What is the difference between a major and a minor scale?
3. What is a major chord and a minor chord?
4. Why do major and minor chords sound different?

How do you know if a chord is major or minor?

A major chord contains the 1st, 3rd, and 5th degree of the major scale. A minor chord contains the 1st, flattened 3rd, and 5th degree of the major scale of that note. You can apply this formula to figure out the notes in any major or minor scale.

What is the difference between a major and a minor scale?

A major scale is a scale in which the third scale degree (the mediant) is a major third above the tonic note. In a minor scale, the third degree is a minor third above the tonic. Similarly, in a major triad or major seventh chord, the third is a major third above the chord's root.

What is a major chord and a minor chord?

They are the two basic flavors and feelings from which all other chords emerge. In essence, major and minor chords are like opposites; a major chord consists of a major third followed by a minor third, and a minor chord consists of the inverse, a minor third followed by a major third.

Why do major and minor chords sound different?

The difference between major and minor chords and scales boils down to a difference of one essential note – the third. The third is what gives major-sounding scales and chords their brighter, cheerier sound, and what gives minor scales and chords their darker, sadder sound.