Major

What is a Major chord?

A basic major chord is built using three notes: the root note, the major third, and the perfect fifth. For example, the C major chord consists of C, E, and G, which are the 1st, 3rd and 5th notes of the C major scale.

The root note is the note that the chord is named after, which is C in this case. The major third is four half-steps or two whole-steps (2 frets) above the root note, which is E in this case. And the perfect fifth is seven half-steps or three and a half whole-steps (5 frets) above the root note, which is G in this case.

How is it used?

In chord progressions, major chords are often used to create a sense of stability or resolution. In a major key, the I (one) chord is typically a major chord and serves as the tonic, or home chord, of the key. The IV (four) and V (five) chords in a major key are also typically major chords, and they are often used to create tension and resolution in music. For example, a common chord progression is the I-IV-V progression, where the chords are all major chords. This chord progression can be heard in countless pop songs, but its most commonly known to guitarists as the blues progression.

In minor keys, major chords can add a touch of brightness or contrast to the overall mood of the music. For example, in the key of A minor, the III (three) chord is a C major chord, which adds a brighter sound to the otherwise dark and moody key.

Major chord variations

There are a quite few variations of Major chord, from the basic triads (three note chords) to chord extensions.

Chord extensions are additional notes that can be added to basic triads or seventh chords to create more complex and nuanced harmonic structures. These notes are typically added above the basic triad or seventh chord and can include 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths.

To view the guitar chord shapes pick a Major chord type from the menu above.