NAMING CHORDS

Chord names can be quite complex. For instance: the C major seventh thirteen chord. However, when we analyze chords in compositions from the common practice period, we tend to use only simple chords and ignore notes that would otherwise make complex chords. The notes that are ignored are called nonchord tones and will be explained in chapter Implied chords, chord tones and nonchord tones.

Chord names consist of the chord root, chord quality and optional altered/added/omitted tones. For instance, in the above-mentioned C major seventh thirteen chord, “C” is a chord root, “major seventh” is a chord quality and “thirteen” tell us that this chord includes a single added tone (which you get by using the interval major thirteenth over the chord root in the root close position). 

We shall see that chord names describe chords in their root close position. 

Chord root

A chord root is the note name of the lowest note when a chord is in the root close position i.e. the note name upon which a chord can be built by stacking the thirds. This is shown in the next figure where we see a chord whose chord root is C. 

Figure: A chord in the root close position and its lowest note (marked in red) which determines the chord root

Chord quality

In a chord name, everything after the chord root describes the structure of the chord when it is in the root close position. When we say the structure of the chord, we mean the number of notes and the intervals between them. Everything after the chord root in a chord name means: the chord quality and optional altered/added/omitted tones. For now, we shall ignore altered/added/omitted tones (they will be explained in chapter Altered, added and omitted tones).

For instance, the C major triad chord has “major triad” as its chord quality. It tells us that this chord can be created in the root close position by stacking the major third and the minor third. Unlike the major third, the minor third is not mentioned in the chord quality but is assumed and must be learned for this chord quality. Also, it tells us that this chord belongs to the so-called triad chords. They are explained in the next chapter.

Different possible chord qualities will be explored in chapters Often used chords, Less often used seventh chords and Chords often used in Jazz music.