Minor chord

Definition

A minor chord is a triad that consists of a root note, a minor third, and a perfect fifth. It is characterized by its darker, more somber sound compared to major chords, which have a brighter quality. This chord plays a crucial role in harmonic progression and is essential for establishing tonal relationships in music.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A minor chord consists of the root note, which is the starting note of the chord, the minor third, which is four half-steps above the root, and the perfect fifth, which is seven half-steps above the root.
2. In a C minor chord, for example, the notes are C (root), Eb (minor third), and G (perfect fifth).
3. Minor chords often serve as the tonic or dominant in minor key progressions, creating tension and resolution within the music.
4. The sound of a minor chord can evoke feelings of sadness or melancholy, making it an essential tool for composers expressing emotional depth.
5. In lead sheets and chord charts, minor chords are commonly notated with the letter name followed by 'm' (e.g., Cm for C minor) or sometimes with a minus sign (e.g., C-).

Review Questions

• How do minor chords differ from major chords in terms of structure and emotional impact?
  • Minor chords differ from major chords primarily in their intervals. A minor chord is built from a root note, a minor third, and a perfect fifth, while a major chord uses a major third instead of a minor third. This difference gives minor chords their characteristic somber and introspective sound compared to the brighter and more uplifting quality of major chords. In terms of emotional impact, minor chords often convey feelings of sadness or tension, making them effective in creating contrasting moods within musical compositions.
• Discuss how minor chords function within common harmonic progressions in various musical styles.
  • Minor chords play an important role in various harmonic progressions across different musical styles. In classical music, they often serve as the ii or vi chords in diatonic progressions. In popular music genres like rock and jazz, minor chords are frequently used to add emotional depth and complexity to progressions. The use of minor chords helps create tension that resolves when moving to major chords or to other related minor chords. This dynamic interplay contributes to the overall expressiveness of a piece.
• Evaluate the significance of chord symbol notation for minor chords and how it aids musicians in understanding harmonic structure.
  • Chord symbol notation for minor chords is significant as it provides musicians with an immediate understanding of the harmonic structure within a piece. By using symbols like 'm' or '-' after the root note letter, musicians can quickly identify that they need to play a minor chord. This notation system streamlines communication among musicians during performances and facilitates easier transposition for different keys. Additionally, it allows composers to convey their harmonic intentions clearly, contributing to better collaboration and interpretation within ensembles.

Related terms

Triad: A triad is a set of three notes stacked in thirds, forming the basic building block of harmony in Western music.

Chord Progression:

A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in succession, which creates the harmonic foundation for a piece of music.

Diatonic Harmony: Diatonic harmony refers to the use of chords that are derived from the notes of a specific key, maintaining tonal coherence.