Triad and Chord Qualities (M, m, d, A)
Abigail Young
7 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This AP Music Theory study guide covers chords and harmony, focusing on triads (major, minor, diminished, augmented) and seventh chords (major, minor, dominant, diminished, half-diminished). It explains chord inversions, identifying chords by ear, and common chord progressions. The guide also includes practice questions and exam tips.
#AP Music Theory: Chords and Harmony - Your Ultimate Review 🎶
Hey there, future maestro! Let's get you feeling confident about chords and harmony for your AP Music Theory exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the big day. Let's dive in!
#What are Chords and Harmony?
At the heart of music lies harmony, created by chords. A chord is simply three or more pitches played simultaneously. Think of it as a vertical stack of notes that create a rich, layered sound. Chords can be played all at once, or implied through an arpeggio, where notes are played one after another.
Chords and harmonies are crucial for adding depth, motion, tension, and resolution to music. They are the backbone of musical expression! 💡
In Western music, we primarily deal with two types of chords:
- Triads: Three-note chords formed by stacking two thirds.
- Seventh Chords: Four-note chords formed by stacking three thirds.
#Triads: The Building Blocks
Triads are the foundation of tonal harmony and are super common in all kinds of music. They're built by stacking intervals of a third. There are four main types:
- Major (M): Root, major third, perfect fifth.
- Minor (m): Root, minor third, perfect fifth.
- Diminished (d): Root, minor third, diminished fifth.
- Augmented (A): Root, major third, augmented fifth.
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