Chords are combinations of 3+ notes, starting with the root.
Intervals
An interval is the difference in pitch between two sounds. In the context of a chord, pitches can be vertical or harmonic.
Inversions
Inversions are alternate forms of chords that arrange the same notes differently.
- root position, where the root of the chord is the lowest note played
- first inversion, third is the lowest note
- second inversion, fifth is the lowest note
- third inversion, sixth or seventh is the lowest note
Triads
A triad (aka harmony) is the most basic kind of chord consisting of a root, third, and fifth. This is sometimes called stacked thirds, since their is a third between the 2nd and 3rd note.
A third is an interval encompassing 3 staff positions (inclusive):
- major third spans 4 semitones
- minor third spans 3 semitones.
A fifth spans 5 staff positions (inclusive):
- perfect fifth spans 7 semitones (most common in Western music)
- diminished fifth spans 7 semitones
- augmented fifth spans 7 semitones
Types
Major triad:
- major third
- minor third (perfect fifth from root)
Minor triad:
- minor third
- major third (perfect fifth from root)
Diminished triad:
- minor third
- minor third (dim fifth from root)
Augmented triad:
- major third
- major third (aug fifth from root)
