CTW Arsenal Report: Take 3: A Few Steps
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The document is a guide on music theory focusing on major and minor chord structures, including the formation of triads and progressions that define different tonalities. It emphasizes understanding music as a language and encourages active listening to various genres to recognize chord progressions and tonal characteristics. The guide also suggests exercises and examples from popular songs to help learners identify and practice these concepts.
CTW Arsenal Report: Take 3: A Few Steps
- 2. Arsenal Report Pinnacle Treasure Powered By CHVNGETHEWORLD Take 3 A Few Steps Greetings! It’s great to speak with you again! As we embark on this world of Artist Development together, I’d like to recap where we left o ff . Majors and Minors Recap Major Formula: WWHWWWH C Major: C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C General Description: Happier tonality Minor Formular: WHWWHWW C Minor: C-D-Eb-F-G-Ab-Bb-C General Description: Sad, somber tonality Did you have a chance to make some notes? Did you take the time to listen to your music with the thought in mind “Is it major or minor?” However, whether you did or didn’t. Let’s add that to something we do with all music when we are listening. Take it as getting to know the language more in depth. For example: if someone hears Spanish and they speak Spanish, they can easily decipher it. You don’t have to be within the conversation to understand the language. As the same with English, if someone who speaks English walks by and overhears you. They will be able to understand the words. Music language is the same. It’s spoken in many di ff erent ways, but the basics are the basics. Moving along, What would you want to do with these sounds? Well, I’d suggest fi nding some movement that aligns with your idea. While dealing with majors and minors, it is not just knowing scales that can help you. It’s a piece of clarity. As we increase some clarity. I’d like to talk about chords and lead into progressions. Chords Using the key of C Building Blocks of Chord Triads Triads: - Triads are three-note chords consisting of a root, a third, and a fi fth. - There are four types of triads: major, minor, augmented, and diminished. - To build a triad, start with a root note and add the third and fi fth notes based on the speci fi c type of triad you want to create.
- 3. 1. Major Chord: - To build a major chord, we'll use the 1st (root), 3rd, and 5th notes of the major scale. - In the key of C, the C major scale consists of the notes: C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C. - Therefore, to build a C major chord, we take the 1st (C), 3rd (E), and 5th (G) notes of the C major scale. - These three notes (C, E, G) played together form a C major chord. 2. Minor Chord: - To build a minor chord, we'll use the 1st (root), fl attened 3rd, and 5th notes of the major scale. - In the key of C, the C major scale consists of the notes: C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C. - To create a C minor chord, we need to fl atten the 3rd note of the major scale, which is E. Flattening a note means lowering it by one semitone. - Therefore, the notes for a C minor chord are C (root), E♭ ( fl attened 3rd), and G (5th). - Playing these three notes (C, E♭, G) together forms a C minor chord. A major chord is formed by using the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the major scale, while a minor chord is formed by using the 1st, fl attened 3rd, and 5th notes of the major scale. In the key of C, a C major chord consists of the notes C, E, G, and a C minor chord consists of the notes C, E♭, G. Extending Chords Introducing extended chords, it's helpful to start with the basic triads, then gradually introduce 7th chords, followed by 9th, 11th, and 13th chords as you become more comfortable with the concepts. Extended Chords (7th, 9th, 11th, and 13th): - Extended chords go beyond the basic triad by adding additional notes, typically in intervals of thirds. - These chords add more color and complexity to the harmony. - 7th Chords: A 7th chord includes the root, third, fi fth, and a seventh note. For example, a C7 chord would consist of C (root), E (third), G ( fi fth), and B♭ (seventh). 7th chords are commonly used in jazz, blues, and many other genres. - 9th, 11th, and 13th Chords: These chords continue to extend the harmony by adding the ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth notes respectively. They are commonly used in jazz and other contemporary genres to create rich and colorful sounds. - The 9th, 11th, and 13th chords can be heard in various contexts, such as jazz standards, funk, R&B, and fusion genres. They add a sense of sophistication and harmonic interest to the music. Exploring di ff erent genres and listening to examples from those genres will help you understand the context in which these chords are typically used and develop their ears for recognizing them. Let’s keep going. Don’t stress too much in remembering all in one setting. Keep these things circulating within your journey. Repetition is the best teaching tool.
- 4. Triads to Chord Progressions Chord Progressions: - a chord progression is a sequence of chords played in a speci fi c order. - chord progressions provide the harmonic structure and movement within a piece of music. - Di ff erent chord progressions can create di ff erent moods and emotions. Common Chord Progressions: - Major Key Progressions: - I-IV-V: This is one of the most common progressions in major keys. In the key of C, it would be C-F-G. It has a strong and resolved sound. - I-VI-IV-V: Known as the "50s progression" or "doo-wop progression," it is frequently used in pop music. In the key of C, it would be C-Am-F-G. - I-IV-I-V: This progression is often found in many rock and blues songs. In the key of C, it would be C-F-C-G. - Minor Key Progressions: - i-iv-V: This is a common progression in minor keys, often used in various genres. In the key of A minor, it would be Am-Dm-E. - i-VI-VII-i: Known as the "natural minor progression," it has a melancholic feel. In the key of A minor, it would be Am-F-G-Am. - i-III-VI-VII: This progression is frequently used in pop and rock music. In the key of A minor, it would be Am-C-F-G. Listening Exercise In your spare time to practice identifying major and minor tonalities and chord progressions: 1. R&B: "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers - This classic R&B song features a simple chord progression and a distinctive minor tonality. The main chords are Am, Em, G, and Dm. Listen for the minor tonality and identify the chord progression throughout the song. 2. Blues: "Sweet Home Chicago" by Robert Johnson - This iconic blues song follows a 12-bar blues chord progression in the key of E. The chords typically used are E7, A7, and B7. Listen for the dominant 7th chords and the speci fi c pattern that repeats throughout the song. 3. Jazz: "Autumn Leaves" by Johnny Mercer - "Autumn Leaves" is a jazz standard that can be performed in various keys. In the key of G minor, the chords typically used are Gm, D7, Cm, and F7. This song provides an opportunity for you to listen to a minor key and identify the chord progression in a jazz context. 4. Pop: "Let It Be" by The Beatles - "Let It Be" is a popular and well-known pop song by The Beatles. It features a simple chord progression in the key of C major, including C, G, Am, F, and G7. Listen for the major tonality and identify the chord changes throughout the song. Encourage your students to actively listen to these songs and pay attention to the tonalities, chord progressions, and the overall feel of the music. They can also try to play along on their instruments to further develop your understanding of the chords and progressions.
- 5. I feel we’ve taken just enough steps for the moment. Keep listening and keep tracking what you’re noticing while you observing and analyze music. I’d like to encourage you to listen to yourself and decide as well, what you hear. Until next time, this has been your Arsenal Report: Take 3: A Few Steps, Powered by CHVNGETHEWORLD.