Exploring Music and Chords

Exploring music and chords requires a good definition of harmony. Music harmony is the sounding of notes at the same time or simultaneously. Consider the following variety of harmonies, using the key of C major as an example. By the way, the left letter in each of the following examples is the lowest note.

Different chord qualities

• C, E and G is a C major triad.
• C, Eb and G is a C minor triad.
• C, E and G# is a C augmented triad.
• C, Eb and Gb is a C diminished triad.

Diatonic Triads

• C, E and G is a triad formed from the first degree of a C major scale. It has the following labels (I or C).
• D, F and A is a triad formed from the second degree of a C major scale. It has the following labels (ii or Dm).
• E, G and B is a triad formed from the third degree of a C major scale. It has the following labels (iii or Em).
• F, A and C is a triad formed from the fourth degree of a C major scale. It has the following labels (IV or F).
• G, B and D is a triad formed from the fifth degree of a C major scale. It has the following labels (V or G).
• A, C and E is a triad formed from the sixth degree of a C major scale. It has the following labels (vi or Am).
• B, D and F is a triad formed from the seventh degree of a C major scale. It has the following labels (vii dim or Bdim).

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Diatonic Triads of C Major

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