In this lesson, we are going to learn why certain notes are used when forming guitar chords. The reason for these notes being in the chords themselves is that they have to resonate in harmony when being played together. If not, they will sound “off” and will not be pleasant to the ear. This is called the chord-embellishment theory.
What is a chord-embellishment?
This is the understanding of what notes are used in creating guitar chords. When learning guitar chords, certain notes are chosen for this purpose and they are not chosen randomly. They are chosen to sound harmonically correct. Or in basic terms, notes that sound good when played together.
When you put certain notes together on any instrument whether it be guitar, piano, violin, etc, they must be in harmony with each other or else they won’t sound good when played. This usually happens when a person is just starting out learning a song or certain piece of music and doesn’t quite have all the notes mastered.
However, once all the notes are mastered, the music sounds good to the ear and is pleasant to listen to. That is because all the notes are in harmony with each other. This is usually because these notes all come from the same musical key.
What is the musical key?
A musical key is a certain set of notes that reside at a certain pitch in the musical spectrum. They may be a set of high notes, or they may be a set of notes that are low. Maybe even in the middle somewhere. Regardless of where they sit, they are all related in one way or another, and that is why they sound good together.
This is considered playing “in key” and it is when all the notes in the piece of music sound good together. And for this to happen we must have a basic understanding of how this works. This is where the embellishment theory comes in.
So when it comes to playing guitar chords, you want to make sure you choose the correct notes. Because if you don’t, the chords won’t sound good when you form them. They also won’t sound good when you play them with other chords. Make sure you fully understand the basics of why these notes are chosen to form the basic foundation. Then you can proceed to extend the chords from there.
Watch the video lesson below
Learn how chords are formed
First, we start with the key that we are playing in. Let’s say the key of C.
C D E F G A B C
Now, let’s say we give each note a number value. 1-8.
C being 1, D being 2, E being 3, and so forth and so forth.
As you can see, we only have 7 because 1 and 8 are the same.
Triads
The most basic natural chord in music is the triad. A chord is made up of 3 notes. Tri means three, and ad means notes. A three-note chord. Out of the key of C, or any key for that matter, the numbers chosen for this triad are going to be the 1, 3 & 5 of the key. This is what’s known as the guitar chord theory.
That means that the notes we would choose to make the C Major triad would be the C E & G. Look at the notes in the above paragraph. You can see that the 1 3 & 5 are these notes. And if you look at the C major chord forming it on your guitar and you know your notes (if you don’t I highly recommend you learn them) you can see these notes in this chord.
Why do I need to learn chord theory?
Learning chord theory can help improve your guitar playing in many ways. It can help you to understand how music works and why it works in harmony when certain notes of the key (any key) are put together to form guitar chords. Chords in general, no matter if you’re playing them on the guitar or piano.
Improving your guitar playing is what it’s all about. By knowing your notes, you’ll be able to create additional chords as well. Like minor chords (where you flatten the 3rd note by one fret), 7 chords (where you add the 7th note of the chord, sometimes flattened seventh), and augmented or diminished triads.
By knowing this information, you’ll be able to switch between chords faster, add to your chord vocabulary, and be able to express yourself much better in general. By knowing what notes to add, move, or take away, you’ll be able to enhance your musical palette of emotion. You’ll be able to see chords as colors. And, like colors, you’ll be able to create different shades.
Study and practice daily
Being able to fully understand what is needed when forming guitar chords is essential for forming guitar chords. This valuable skill will allow you to make leaps and bounds above the competition. Most guitar players do not know this information. But you must study and practice daily.
So, if you can take some time to study & wrap your brain around the concept that is being taught in this lesson, you will see very clearly how knowing this information can benefit you. It can help you to compose better songs and also to understand the inner workings of music theory.
A step-by-step learning system
And if you’d like a book on the topic, I recommend Learn Guitar Chord Theory. A book I authored and self-published. This book will show you a lot more in-depth about what is being taught in this lesson and taken further down the path.
Learn Guitar Chord Theory explains music theory as it applies to the guitar and covers how chords are created and what they are called. Written to help all guitar players achieve a better understanding of the guitar and of the music they play.
Additional help is available
I know all this theory stuff can be a bit overwhelming. I knew it was for me when I started learning it. But I assure you, it does get easier if you stick with it. If you feel you could benefit from private guitar lessons, well, I offer those, too.
These can be a huge benefit and help you get results quickly and easily. Just contact me through my website at DwaynesGuitarLessons.com, and we'll set up a time to talk.
Thanks again for reading, and until our next lesson, take care.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins
