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Fundamental Structures Of Guitar Chords


by John O'Connell


Guitar chords are created when a collection of tones are played at once. They can be composed of notes on separate strings, or all the strings at once. The instruments generally have six or twelve strings.

While six and twelve-stringed instruments are available, most contemporary artists use six-string versions. The strings are tuned from the highest to the lowest pitch. The sequence of strings are identified as E-A-D-G-B-E. The lowest pitch is created by the thickest string. It's known as the sixth string. The first string is the thinnest, and has the highest pitch.

Most strings are tuned with sound intervals equal to perfect fourths. The only exception is the interval between the second string and the third string. Between these B and G strings, respectively, the interval is a major third.

Many musicians use a slight tuning variation when playing hard rock and heavy metal music. Referred to as the Drop D tuning, it's formed when the low E note is tuned to a D. Known as power tuning, the three bottom strings morph into a root fifth octave, D-A-D.

The C Major, A Major, G Major, E Major and D Major are the fundamental units of stringed instrument sound. They are the major triads, providing the prime reference points. They all occur in the open position.

F Major and B Major are the remaining components in major whole tones. They are formed while the first finger depresses several strings at once.

The augmented, diminished and minor units supplement the major components. The minor tone is one semitone different than the major, utilizing a minor third instead of a major third. When a major third is paired with an augmented fifth, it's called augmented tone. The diminished fifth paired with a minor third results in a diminished tone.

When the bass note is not the root note, it's considered inverted. In most contemporary popular music, inverted tones are usually not played as part of the harmony because the bass can play the root pitch.

A sequential evolution of the root pitch is known as harmonic progression. The succession forms an ongoing shift of level which has been a central element of European music since 1600. The shifting usually occurs on accented beats.

Guitar chords form a variety of tones. They are created through the depression of specific strings at certain frets. They are a fundamental component of music performed on stringed instruments.




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