Topmusicanswers
As far as naming is concerned it is based on interval size between various tones of the chords. "Major" and "minor" refer to the third of the chord and how big it is in half steps. A minor third is 3 half steps and a major third is four half steps.
- How do chords get named?
- Where does the name of a chord come from?
- How are guitar chords determined?
- How many types of chords are there?
How do chords get named?
Chords derive their names from the root note; so a C chord has C for its root note and a G7 chord will have G. The interval between the root note and the third determines whether a chord is a major or minor. Chords may be strummed or the notes picked individually though beginners find strumming much easier.
Where does the name of a chord come from?
The first comes from the word accord and refers to a harmonious combination of three or more musical notes. The second is an alteration of cord, taking its spelling from Greek chorda, "string, gut," by way of Latin. This is the mathematical chord—a line segment that joins two points on a curve.
How are guitar chords determined?
Chords are built from a root note (also known as the starting note). The root note is the basis for a chord and it is generally the note with the lowest pitch. The rest of the notes are determined by the type of chord that is being played. This is also known as the chord quality.
How many types of chords are there?
There are three main types of chords: triads, seventh chords, and extended chords.
