Electric Guitar Lesson 11 - Minor Chords

After learning the minor scale, we can move on to minor chords! Now we know that the pattern to construct a major chord is to use the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the scale and play them together. What if we took the major chord pattern and put it to the minor scale? We would make a minor chord, of course. In fact you can figure out how to play a minor chord two ways, by using the minor scale and by manipulating a major chord. Let's look at using the minor scale first.

Minor Chord construction with the Minor Scale

To construct a minor chord out of a minor scale, all we do is take the same pattern used to construct a major chord and apply it to the minor scale. So, think minor scale. Take the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the minor scale and play them all at the same time. If you soaked up the major chord lesson pretty well, this should be pretty straight forward. Let's look at the major chord vs. the minor chord.

Major Chord vs. Minor Chord

The main difference between minor and major chords is the 3rd scale degree. If you were to take a major chord, then find the 3rd and make it one step flat, you would have a minor chord, it’s that easy. If you are having trouble figuring out which note is the 3rd, take the major scale and play the 3rd note of the scale. This tone will be in the major chord as well. This 3rd tone is the same tone that is moved down a half step to make a minor chord.

Uses

The minor chord is used in a lot of music to make a more dramatic and "sad" feeling. Minor chords can also be used in conjunction with major chords to enforce a key signature better, because if you just through a bunch of major chords together, some of the notes they have won't completely fit into the key. You can also play minor 7th chords, which can add a little jazz flavor to your playing. Just add the 7th note of the minor scale into your minor chord and bam! A minor 7th chord.

If you have any questions about minor scales, chords or minor 7ths, check out the forums or message one of the moderators!

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