#1
|
||||
|
||||
Chord Construction
Got a ? that rolls round my brain and falls out every now and then.
A major chord consists of 3 notes or triad...the root, the third, and the fifth. I constantly use the terms when harmonizing etc. However, In order to find the right 3rd or 5th I have to think in semitones or half steps. So a 3rd is 4 semitones and the 5th is 7 semitones. Wouldn't it be easier to use semi tone reference and skip the 3rd, 5th terms? Help clear my clouded mind.
__________________
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -- Plato Mcknight Airplane Sonic Sitka McKnight Curly Maple Lowlander Webber Roundbody cutaway Taylor Big Baby Taylor T5 [[email protected] |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Everybody's brain works differently. A lot of us think in terms of scale degrees and have memorized how they layout on the fretboard. We learn to visually see a major 3rd interval, or 5th or a minor 3rd etc.
I guess your way of counting semitones would make sense if you were playing linearly up one string.
__________________
Pat's music: http://www.patriciafolkner.com/ youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhAJDgA_GK8 |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
There's probably a better explanation, but I look at it this way - the major scale is made of mostly whole steps except for a couple of half steps (like the e and f and b and c in C major). So it just seems like less work to count with whole numbers to me.
It'd take me ages to get used to how you do it! Pretty neat to hear you take the approach you do, always interesting to read how other people look at things like this. |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
I really believe this counting interval 'business' is not efficient. Just learn a scale and/or any scale for that matter, and, learn to know each interval instantly.
We don't want to lag behind...or do we ?
__________________
There are still so many beautiful things to be said in C major... Sergei Prokofiev |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
My question really originates when I am transposing or working on a harmony part. When playing within a scale I've just been doing it long enough that my fingers just know where to go. Also, now that I'm older questions like "does a bird have lips" just seem to come out every now and then.
__________________
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -- Plato Mcknight Airplane Sonic Sitka McKnight Curly Maple Lowlander Webber Roundbody cutaway Taylor Big Baby Taylor T5 [[email protected] |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
R+4+3 = Major chord --- notice the 4 and 3 total to 7 R+3+4 = minor chord R+4+3+3 = dominant seven chord R+4+3+4 = maj7 Your thinking is exactly how chords are/can be taught on the keyboard. Root plus 4 black or white keys is the same as what you are saying, i.e. the 3rd is 4 semitones and the 5th is 7 semitones. R+4+3 same thing. Only problem on the guitar there are six strings. But other than the 6 strings your way of thinking has merit. I also have given this some thought and have come to the conclusion it's just not practical on the guitar, works great on the keyboard. Plus you'd have to scrap all those how to books. Last edited by Malcolm; 09-18-2009 at 05:27 PM. |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Like Dalyefolk says, everyone's brain works a bit differently on this.
My take is that there is no better trainer than:
For me, I had to begin to visualize harmony. It helped that I used to sing in barbershop quartets and choruses, imo. But that's a part of it: singing. At least begin to hum the melody and the harmony so you can train your ear/brain/hand connection. Learning music theory is fine. It has a place in communication, but it is not music. Steve
__________________
Steve Cass ASCAP 1999 Taylor 714ce (pre NT) 2015 Taylor K26ce 1986 Washburn D-21 1979 Les Paul "The Paul" solid walnut 2007 Paul Reed Smith Custom 22 Tobacco Sunburst 2013 Custom LP59 Carve top, Emerald Smoke Burst "Rhythm guitar is a trip many people miss..." Tom Petty |