Part Three: Chords and Connections

        A chord, in the basic sense, is a combination of two or more notes.  All of the chords you know, and indeed all of the chords that you will ever use are derived from the scales we learned in the previous lesson.  I do not want to get into an elaborate discussion on chord construction or chord theory.  There are many excellent internet resources that can teach you more chords than you could possibly ever desire.  Check out my links page for more information on specific chords.

        What I do want to do with this space is teach you what chords go with what scales and keys, and how to figure it out.   If you take the basic pattern of the major scale (WWHWWWH) and follow all of the traditional chord building rules, a pattern emerges:

So what are all the chords in the key of C? Simple... C Major, D minor, E minor, F Major, G Major, A minor, B diminished.  With this pattern you can figure out the exact chords that go with any key or any scale or mode.  You can also use it in reverse and figure out what scales can go with any combination of chords.  This is the knowledge that will unlock your potential and give you power and flexibility in your music.

If you have been through all three lessons and still find yourself a bit confused, please feel free to e-mail me.  I am always happy to help and would get back to you as soon as possible.