Learn to construct chords in 3 easy steps!
Chords are built from the major scale & the notes in any major scale can be derived from this pattern:
W W H W W W H
|
W: |
whole step (tone) |
|
H: |
half step (semitone) |
Let's try constructing chords for the G major scale:
Step 1: Find the notes in the G major scale using the pattern:
G |
|
A |
|
B |
|
C |
|
D |
|
E |
|
F# |
|
G |
|
W |
|
W |
|
H |
|
W |
|
W |
|
W |
|
H |
|
Step 2: Number the notes (also known as "scale tones"):
G |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F# |
G |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
Step 3: Construct chord by applying the appropriate chord pattern:
For example:
1. Major chords are constructed from 1 3 5 of the major scale:
2. Minor chords are constructed from 1 b3 5 of the major scale:
Chord Pattern List:
Chord Patterns |
Examples |
---|
Major |
1 3 5 |
G: G B D |
Minor |
1 b3 5 |
Gm: G Bb D |
Dominant 7 |
1 3 5 b7 |
G7: G B D F |
Major 7 |
1 3 5 7 |
Gmaj7: G B D F# |
Minor 7 |
1 b3 5 b7 |
Gm7: G Bb D F |
Add 9 |
1 3 5 9 |
Gadd9: G B D A |
Suspended 4 |
1 4 5 |
Gsus4: G C D |
Congratulations! You can now start to construct the chords that you want!