Backing Chords (Junior Cert Music): Revision Notes

Backing Chords

What are Backing Chords?

• Backing chords are the chords that accompany a melody.
• They give harmonic support, which means they help the melody sound richer, stronger, and more complete.
• These chords usually contain the same notes found in the melody at that point.
• Sometimes, the melody includes non-chord notes (notes that do not belong to the chord). These usually happen on weak beats.

Where Are Chords Written?

• Chords are written in chord boxes above the melody line.
• A new chord box means a new chord is needed.
• One chord might last more than one bar, or there may be two chords in one bar.
• A chord can also carry over to the next stave.

How Are Chords Written?

• Chords are shown using chord names (e.g. C, F, G, Am).
• Major chords are written with capital letters (C, F, G).
• Minor chords use a lowercase 'm' (Am, Dm).
• Always include a sharp (♯) or flat (♭) in the chord name if needed (e.g. B♭, E♭).

How to Choose the Right Chord

When choosing a chord to go above a section of melody:

1. Start by looking at the melody note directly under the chord box.

• This note should be in the chord.

2. Choose a chord that contains as many of the melody notes as possible in that section.
3. Focus on strong beats (beat 1 and 3 in 4/4 time) — these are where the chord match matters most.

Tips

• End on chord I (the tonic chord) using a finishing cadence to make the phrase sound complete.
• Avoid using chord iii or vii° — they are less stable.
• Avoid repeating the same chord too often — use variety where it suits the music.
• Always check the key signature to choose chords that fit.
• Focus on the strong beats — not every melody note has to match perfectly.

Non-Chord Notes

• Sometimes, the melody includes notes that do not belong to the chord being used. These are called non-chord notes.
• They usually happen on weak beats.

Types of Non-Chord Notes:

1. Passing Notes

• These fill the gap between two chord notes by step.
• Example: If the melody goes from B → A → G, and the chord is G major, the A is a passing note.

2. Auxiliary Notes

• These move one step up or down from a chord note and then return to it.
• Example: If the melody goes D → E → D over a G major chord, the E is an upper auxiliary note.

Chord Progressions

• A chord progression is a series of chords played in a specific order to support a melody.
• The most common chord progressions use the chords I, IV, V, and vi.
• These chords work well together because they belong to the same key and share many notes with typical melodies.
• Chord progressions are used in many famous pop songs to create structure and flow.

Examples of Popular Chord Progressions:

1. I – V – vi – IV

This is one of the most popular progressions in pop music.

Used in:

• Let It Be – The Beatles
• Say You Won't Let Go – James Arthur

2. I – vi – IV – V

Known as the 50s progression, this uses the same chords in a different order.

Used in:

• Stand By Me – Ben E. King
• Perfect – Ed Sheeran

These progressions create a strong sense of harmony and can be repeated throughout a verse or chorus.

Backing Chords Summary Table

Step	What to Do
When to use chords	Insert backing chords above melody in empty chord boxes when a new chord is needed
Which chords to use	Choose from chords I, ii, IV, V, V7, vi
Avoid these chords	Don't use chords iii or vii°
Chord writing rules	Use capital letters for major chords and 'm' for minor chords (e.g. Dm, Am)
Match with melody notes	Choose chords that share notes with the melody — especially on strong beats
Ending the phrase	End on chord I using a perfect or plagal cadence