Primary Chords

Hi all, just a quick note on Composition that may help a few out.

Knowing "Primary Chords" can be a springboard for new composers and those wanting to expand their chord choices when writing songs. When we look at a C Major scale, we can number each note "Tone" to make it easier to communicate instead of calling the C Note "C", we will call it by it's "Degree Value" "1" the first note is also called a "Key Note" our key note here is "C" or "1".

C D E F G A B C
"1" 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

The most basic way to begin writing a song is to use the scale of your choice and pick out the 1,4 and 5 notes. Then turn them into chords.

"1" = C Major
"4" = F Major
"5" = G Major (or G7)

These are called the Primary Chords the ( 1 4 5 ) start with the 1 then mix it up and jam!

Word of Caution: If the scale has any sharps or flat notes on the 1, 4, or 5, then the chord on that degree must also be a sharp or flat chord.

And if you get board of that, go to "Modulate" to the "6" tone (A) from your key note "C" and make it a minor (Am), that's called your "Relative Minor" and do a (1, 4, 5,) on that with minors. The "5" of your relative minor may be an optional Major if you like. But 1 and 4 are minors.

C, F, (G or G7,) Am Dm (Em or E or E7)

If you need Sheet Music, Post.

Have a great day. Bob O'Dell