Steve's Spinal Column #8

The definition of a chord is simply, the simultaneous playing of three or more tones. But obviously there are many variations to this concept. Simplifying the recipes for these basic tools should demystify the harmonic universe.

If we use a C Major scale to base everything on, the math should be a little easier.

CMajor scale (ionian mode) = C D E F G A B C (no sharps or flats)

Major triads (3 note chords) are based on this formula:
Start with the root, travel up 2 steps and then again 1 1/2 steps.
Starting with C as the root, 2 steps up gives us E, then 1 1/2 up gives us G.
CMajor triad therefore is CEG. If you relate this to the CMajor scale you can see that its placement in that line of notes is first, third and fifth or 1,3,5.
So we start there:
Major triad is 1, 3, 5. Everything else is a variation within the scale.

Formulas for chords:

Major = 1 3 5 (C E G )
minor = 1 b3 5 (C Eb G )
Augmented = 1 3 #5 (C E G#)
Diminished = 1 b3 b5 (C Eb Gb)
Suspended 4 = 1 4 5 (C F G )
Major 7 = 1 3 5 7 (C E G B )
Dominant 7 = 1 3 5 b7 (C E G Bb )
minor 7 = 1 b3 5 b7 (C Eb G Bb)
Diminished 7 = 1 b3 b5 bb7 (C Eb Gb Bbb)
Half diminished 7= 1 b3 b5 b7 (C Eb Gb Bb )
minor / #7= 1 b3 5 7 (C Eb G B)
Major add 9 = 1 3 5 9 (C E G D)
minor add 9 = 1 b3 5 9 ( C Eb G D)
Major 7/9 = 1 3 5 7 9 ( C E G B D )
minor 7/9 = 1 b3 5 b7 9 (C Eb G Bb D )
Dominant 9 = 1 3 5 b7 9 (C E G Bb D )
11th = 1 3 5 b7 9 11 (C E G Bb D F )
13th = 1 3 5 b7 9 11 13 ( C E G Bb D F A)
Major 6 = 1 3 5 6 ( C E G A )
minor 6 = 1 b3 5 6 ( C Eb G A)

There are tons of variations of these chords. Just use your common sense to apply the math:

C9 sus = 1 4 5 b7 9 ( C F G Bb D )
C7b5 = 1 3 b5 b7 ( C E Gb Bb)
C13b9#11 = 1 3 5 b7 b9 #11 13 ( C E G Bb Db F# A)

The list goes on forever.
Remember, if it's in the key (in this case all natural tones ) then the extra tones are called extensions ( 9, 11, 13) If the added notes are out of the key, they're known as alterations (b5, #5, b9, #9)

Don't be afraid of the math. They're just simple formulas. Then the fun part is finding these chords on the Stick. Chris Crain, where are you. (Check out Chris' book "The Sticktionary")

On tap for summer 2006 release: I've been contacted by a major music publishing company to write a comprehensive Stick book. These Spinal Columns are just a teaser. Stay tuned (or untuned).

Steve Adelson