Implied notes in a chord

An implied chord is a term that's used to refer to a chord that doesn't use all 3 notes, but still sounds complete enough to “imply” the full chord. For example, if you play simply the notes C and E together without the G, it will still sound like a C major chord, even with the note G missing.

1. What is an implied chord?
2. What notes can you omit from a chord?
3. What determines the notes in a chord?
4. What 3 notes make up an A chord?

What is an implied chord?

An implied chord is one in which only part of a chord (usually the root, and possibly one other note) is played. Even with just one note, an audience can hear what chord was intended, or implied, and hence the name. If you want to hear a good example of this, give “When the Lights Go Out” by The Black Keys a listen.

What notes can you omit from a chord?

Well, it's possible to omit the less important notes (root & 5th) from a chord and only play the guide tones (3rd & 7th) and still retain the original 'feel' of the chords. So for example, you could play a: CMaj7 – as just E & B. C7 – as just E & B♭ (a tritone interval)
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Shell Chords.

What determines the notes in a chord?

A chord is two or more different notes played simultaneously. Most chords have three notes though. 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.

What 3 notes make up an A chord?

A chord is a combination of three or more notes. Chords are built off of a single note, called the root. In this lesson, we will discuss triads. They are created with a root, third, and fifth.