Minor Chords
What is a minor chord?
A minor chord is a triad that consists of three notes: the root, the minor third, and the perfect fifth.
Minor Chord Formula: 1-b3-5
The formula 1-b3-5 represents the intervallic structure of a minor chord:
- 1: The root note of the chord.
- b3: The minor third, which is three semitones above the root.
- 5: The perfect fifth, which is seven semitones above the root.
For example, in an A minor chord:
- Root note (1): A
- Minor third (b3): C
- Perfect fifth (5): E
The combination of these three notes (A, C, E) creates the sound of an A minor chord.
Characteristics of Minor Chords
Minor chords have a melancholic or sad quality and are widely used in various musical styles. They can evoke emotions of introspection, tension, or melancholy.
Playing Minor Chords
On a piano or keyboard, minor chords are typically played by pressing the root note, the minor third, and the perfect fifth.
In guitar playing, minor chords are formed by pressing down specific combinations of strings and frets, following chord diagrams or finger positions.
