Extended Chords

Definition

Extended chords are harmonies that include notes beyond the basic triads, typically incorporating the 7th, 9th, 11th, or 13th scale degrees. These chords create richer and more complex sounds, allowing composers to explore a wider emotional range and add depth to their musical phrases, especially in piano writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extended chords often enhance the harmonic palette in piano music by adding color and complexity, making the music feel more engaging.
2. Common types of extended chords include major 7th, minor 7th, dominant 7th, and various 9th, 11th, and 13th chords.
3. When composing for piano, it's essential to consider how the bass note interacts with extended chords to create a cohesive sound.
4. Extended chords can be approached through different inversions and voicings, which can change their impact and character within a piece.
5. Using extended chords can facilitate smooth voice leading in compositions, helping create connections between harmonies that enhance the overall flow of the music.

Review Questions

• How do extended chords contribute to creating richer textures in piano compositions?
  • Extended chords add layers of harmonic complexity that enhance the overall texture of piano compositions. By including additional notes like the 7th or 9th degree, these chords create more colorful sounds compared to basic triads. This richness allows for greater emotional expression and depth, making the music more captivating for listeners.
• Discuss the role of voicing in effectively utilizing extended chords within a piano piece.
  • Voicing is crucial when using extended chords in piano music because it determines how the notes are arranged and perceived. By experimenting with different voicings, composers can highlight specific tones within the chord, creating distinct sound colors. This manipulation allows for greater expressiveness and can help convey specific emotions or themes in a composition.
• Evaluate how the use of extended chords reflects a composer's stylistic choices in modern piano writing.
  • The use of extended chords in modern piano writing reflects a composer's desire to expand their harmonic language and connect with contemporary musical trends. Composers who incorporate these rich harmonies often aim to evoke specific emotions or atmospheres that resonate with audiences. This stylistic choice indicates an awareness of jazz influences and post-tonal techniques, allowing for innovative compositions that challenge traditional tonal boundaries while remaining accessible to listeners.

Related terms

Tertian Harmony: A system of building chords by stacking thirds on top of each other, which is the foundation for most extended chords.

Voicing: The arrangement of the notes within a chord that can affect its sound and character, crucial when writing for piano.

Diatonic Scale: A scale consisting of seven pitches that form the basis for the extended chords, allowing composers to build harmonies based on a specific key.