Lesson 11 - Minor Chords

After the minor scale the next thing we can learn is minor chords. The major chord is made up of the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the major scale. There are two ways to make a minor chord, either take the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the minor scale and play them together or you can take a major chord and flatten a couple of notes to make a minor chord. After you learn to play minor chords you can use them either playing your favorite bands music or when you make up your own music. You can use minor chords to make a sad or murky fealing in music. Lets take a look at both ways and then we will be able to make and play minor chords.

Minor Chord construction with the Minor Scale

To use the minor scale to make a minor chord you can simply take the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the scale and play them all at the same time. Like the major chords we will have to relocate the 3rd note on a different part of the neck to make this possible. This is the same concept and making a major chord from the major scale but instead of the major scale we are using the minor scale.

Major Chord vs. Minor Chord

The big difference between a major and a minor scale is the 3rd scale degree. In a minor chord this tone is flat compared to the major chord. And when comparing scales remember that the 3rd, 6th, and 7th tones are flat in the minor scale when compared to the major scale. These are the only things that are different between the major and minor scales and chords.

Uses

Minor chords are used in a lot of slower music to give a sad and gloomy feeling. Sometimes you can use minor chords in conjunction with major chords to better enforce a key signature. If you just through a bunch of major chords together to make a progression each individual note of each chord may not be in the key you are tying to play in.

As far as technique you can pluck and strum them the same as you do with major chords. Just make sure you have the 3rd scale degree flat and you will be on the right path to playing a minor chord. Remember when your constructing your chords your playing all the right notes otherwise you might be playing the wrong chord.

If you have any questions about minor scales, chords or minor 7ths, check out the forums or message one of the moderators! http://www.guitarlessoninsider.com