Major chord
Component intervals from root | |
---|---|
perfect fifth | |
major third | |
root | |
Tuning | |
4:5:6 | |
Forte no. / | |
3-11 / |
In music theory, a major chord is a chord that has a root, a major third, and a perfect fifth. When a chord comprises only these three notes, it is called a major triad. For example, the major triad built on C, called a C major triad, has pitches C–E–G:
In harmonic analysis and on lead sheets, a C major chord can be notated as C, CM, CΔ, or Cmaj. A major triad is represented by the integer notation {0, 4, 7}.
A major triad can also be described by its
In Western
Some major chords with additional notes, such as the
Inversions
A given major chord may be
The additional notes above the bass note can be in any order and the chord still retains its inversion identity. For example, a C major chord is considered to be in first inversion if its lowest note is E, regardless of how the notes above it are arranged or even doubled.
Major chord table
In this table, the chord names are in the leftmost column. The chords are given in root position. For a given chord name, the following three columns indicate the individual notes that make up this chord. Thus in the first row, the chord is C major, which is made up of the individual pitches C, E and G.
Just intonation
Most Western keyboard instruments are tuned to equal temperament. In equal temperament, each semitone is the same distance apart and there are four semitones between the root and third, three between the third and fifth, and seven between the root and fifth.
Another tuning system that is used is just intonation. In just intonation, a major chord is tuned to the frequency ratio 4:5:6.
This may be found on I, IV, V, ♭VI, ♭III, and VI.[2] In equal temperament, the fifth is only two cents narrower than the just perfect fifth, but the major third is noticeably different at about 14 cents wider.
See also
- Major and minor
- Musical tuning
- Minor chord
- Otonality and Utonality
References
- ISBN 978-0-07-340134-8.
- ISBN 978-0-8218-4873-9.
External links
- Media related to Major chords at Wikimedia Commons
- Major triads explained on a virtual piano
- Major chords explained on a virtual piano