Music theory: Chords 2/6: The minor triad
Hi,
In the previous post, we learned the concepts of chord, triad, triad in root position and major chord in root position.
Today, we'll see one more triadic chord : the minor triad.
The minor triad in root position
A minor triad in root position is very similar to a major triad in root position except that the interval of a third between the first two notes (which names are root and third) is a minor third.
So we still have a root, a third and a fifth, with the interval between the root and the third being a minor third, and the interval between the root and the fifth being a perfect fifth.
Here are some examples of minor chords :
Take a minute to check that each chord is a triad in root position (3 notes stacked in thirds) and that for each chord, the interval between the root and the third is a minor third, and the interval between the root and the fifth is a major fifth. (that is to say : all those chords are minor triads in root position)
Now let's use our ears. I would like you to listen another time the same score, and try to "feel" the sound of a minor chord. (I recommend a very low tempo in order to achieve that generic feeling)
And again, take a moment to listen to those major chords. (the ones we saw in the previous post). Try to "feel" the sound of a major chord. (and again, I suggest a very low tempo in order to achieve that generic feeling)
Try to compare those two very different feelings. Sometimes, people say that major chords are happy, and minor chords are sad. I'm not sure if it is relevant, but if it helps you, go on !
I hope you are now comfortable with major and minor chords, so we can go on to the next post, and discover two more chords ...
Sebastien
Articles on this series about chords: