Steve's Spinal Column #23
Morphing Triads
(current TV execs declare "Try ads for Morphine")
A triad obviously is a three note chord.
To review:
Major triad = Root < 2 steps > Third < 1 1/2 steps > Fifth(C Major = C E G)
minor triad = Root < 1 1/2 steps > Flatted Third < 2 steps > Fifth (C minor = C Eb G)
diminished triad = Root < 1 1/2 steps > Flatted Third < 1 1/2 steps > Flatted Fifth (C dim. = C Eb Gb)
Let's explore the chords in the key of C Major as our template:
I = C Major (CEG)
ii = D minor (DFA)
iii = E minor (EGB)
IV = F Major (FAC)
V = G Major (GBD)
vi = A minor (ACE)
vii = B dim. (BDF)
We can easily morph through all the chords in a key with a tricky little maneuver.
Start with the C Major triad (CEG)
Now omit the C note ( the root ) and add a B. 2/3 of the chord remains the same. The result is EGB which is an E minor
Next omit the E note ( the root ) of E minor and add D. Again, 2/3 of the chord remains the same. The result is GBD or G Major.
So the procedure is this:
1 - Of the existing chord, omit the root.
2 - Add a note, one letter lower than the omitted note.
C E G (omit C ,add B )....You can try this with all inversions of the triads.
E G B ( omit E , add D ).....
G B D ( omit G, add F)...
B D F ( omit B add A ).....
D F A ( omit D, add C )....
F A C ( omit F , add E) ....
A C E (omit A, add G )....
C E G (back to start )....
If done systematically, the fingering should transition smoothly.
These subtle changes can be very useful and will at least acquaint the player better with the Stick's fingerboard.
Of course the concept works on any instrument, but this is Sticknews, no?
If you're adventurous, try the same concept with seventh chords.
If this all makes you dizzy, try some morphine.