Chords masterclass: Triads, intervals and chord construction from simple to complex - Live Replay

We will cover chords and intervals, as well as a review of rhythm topics from the previous week.

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Andy begins by explaining that the session will cover chords and intervals, as well as a review of rhythm topics from the previous week.

00:00:00

Andy asks what the viewers have been working on over the past week or weekend, and mentions that the rhythm livestream last week led to some good discussions that they want to continue tonight, but focused on chords instead. Andy then discusses some easy songs like "Everybody Hurts" and "Starry Eyed" that use common chord progressions.

00:02:07

Andy then talks about the importance of understanding rhythm, melody, and harmony in music, and how having some vocabulary around these topics can help overcome blocks when learning new material. Andy uses the example of a complex song, where they had to find an alternate way to play one chord they couldn't manage.

00:23:08

Andy explains that when a song uses a particular number or extension with one chord, it's common for the other chords to use the same extension to make them work together. Andy demonstrates how turning a major chord into a minor chord simply involves lowering the major third by a half-step.

00:25:29

Andy then delves deeper into triads, explaining that every major or minor chord is built on the root, third, and fifth notes. He then demonstrates how to turn a C major chord into a C minor chord by lowering the third, and encourages viewers to experiment with making other major chords minor and vice versa.

00:27:33

Andy provides examples of how you might use a C minor chord in a fingerstyle arrangement, and how the minor third can add an emotional quality, especially in Christmas songs. He then discusses the challenge of embellishing bar chords further, as you run out of available fingers.

00:33:47

Andy acknowledges that turning a G major chord into a G minor chord is often thought of as requiring a bar chord, but explains that there are other ways to make the change without a bar.

00:35:03

Andy continues to engage with viewer comments and questions, providing additional insights and examples related to chords, triads, and chord extensions. He mentions that a more in-depth lesson on triads is coming up.

00:35:12

Andy emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying chord structures and how to manipulate them, as this knowledge can help overcome challenges when learning new material.

00:35:29

Andy wraps up the session, thanking everyone for their participation and indicating that they will move on to the main topic of the day, which is chords and chord theory.

00:35:29

The transcript discusses various guitar chord voicings and how to approach playing chords on the guitar. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding intervals and the relationships between notes, as this knowledge allows for more flexibility and creativity when playing chords.

00:34:39

The speaker explains that playing bar chords can limit the ability to embellish or add additional notes to a chord. Instead, the speaker suggests playing fewer notes and then adding embellishments, as this allows for more variation and expression.

00:35:19

The speaker then demonstrates different ways to play a C major or C minor chord, highlighting how the same chord can be voiced in multiple ways depending on the root note and the other notes included. This flexibility is useful for creating different tonal qualities.

00:44:55

The speaker introduces a website that can help identify and name various chord voicings, which can be helpful for understanding the technical aspects of chords and their different possible names.

00:44:09

The speaker discusses the distinction between "sus" chords and "add" chords, explaining that the former omits the third of the chord, while the latter includes an additional note on top of the standard chord. This understanding can help players navigate chord terminology and apply these concepts in their playing.

00:46:29

The speaker then introduces a particularly interesting chord voicing, the "Hendrix chord," which combines a major third and a minor third. Despite this unusual interval combination, the speaker explains how it works well in certain musical contexts.

00:52:50

Finally, the speaker analyzes the chord progression of the song "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers, highlighting how the use of major seventh chords and other chord voicings contributes to the relaxed, chilled-out vibe of the song. The speaker encourages the audience to experiment with these types of chord embellishments to enhance their own playing.

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Every week we cover topics such as;

• How to make the most of your practice time

• Songs and exercises at your level and based on your music taste

• How you can stay motivated and maximise your progress

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