Major Chords (Junior Cert Music): Revision Notes
📚 Revision Notes
Major Chords
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A chord consists of two or more pitches played at the same time. Every major key has three major chords. A major triad is an example of a major chord.
Chords vs Triads
- A chord can have two, three, or more notes.
- A triad always has three notes.
- Major chords have a bright, happy sound.
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A chord progression is a series of chords.
Major Chords
- Major chords are three-note chords (called triads) that have a bright, strong, and happy sound.
- They are built using three notes:
- The root
- The third
- The fifth
What Makes a Chord Major?
- In a major chord, the interval from the root to the third is a major third (4 semitones).
- The interval from the third to the fifth is a minor third (3 semitones).
- This combination of intervals gives the chord its major sound.
Where Are Major Chords Found in a Major Scale?
- In every major scale, major chords are built on the:
- 1st degree → called the tonic
- 4th degree → called the subdominant
- 5th degree → called the dominant
- In the C major scale (C – D – E – F – G – A – B), the major chords are:
- C major (I)
- F major (IV)
- G major (V)
How Are Major Chords Labelled?
Major chords are shown in two ways:
- Chord Symbols: A capital letter shows that the chord is major.
Examples: C, F, G
- Roman Numerals: Uppercase numerals are used for major chords.
Examples: I, IV, V
C Major Chord Bank (Major Chords Only)
| Chord Symbol | C | F | G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Numeral | I | IV | V |
These are the three major chords in the key of C major. They are the most commonly used chords in many styles of music.
What Are Tonic, Subdominant, and Dominant?
- Tonic (I): The "home" chord – most stable and used at the start or end of a piece.
- Subdominant (IV): Leads away from the tonic.
- Dominant (V): Creates tension and often resolves back to the tonic.
- Together, these three chords form the harmonic foundation of most music.
Backing Chords
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Supporting the Melody with Chords
- Chords that support the melody are called backing chords.
- When the notes in the chord match the melody, they create harmonic support.
- Backing chords are written above the stave in chord boxes.
- They are often played on instruments like keyboard or guitar.
Chord Changes
- As we listen to music, chords can change without us noticing — they blend smoothly with the melody.
- A new chord is needed each time you see a new empty chord box.
- A chord can last for a whole bar, or you might have two chords in one bar.
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Chords: Where, When, What?
Where?
- Chords are written in boxes above the melody line using the chord names. They are always named using capital letters.
- Example: C, F, G
When?
- Place a new chord when you see a new empty chord box.
- A chord can last for one bar or more, but each new box means a chord change is needed.
What Chord?
- Choose a chord that shares as many notes as possible with the melody notes in that bar.
- Not all melody notes will match the chord — these are called non-chord notes.
- There might be more than one chord that could fit — choose the one that sounds best!
- Never repeat the same chord twice in a row — change the chord in each new box.
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Choosing Suitable Backing Chords
- Identify the major chords for the key you are using (e.g. in C major: C, F, G).
- Choose chords that match the melody notes as closely as possible.
- Try not to repeat the same chord too often — use variety where possible.
- Always write chord names using capital letters (e.g. C, not "c").
- Use the root note to name the chord.
- Do not use Roman numerals (I, IV, V) or solfa (doh, fah, soh) in chord boxes.