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The three chords we've looked at so far in this set of articles - G, C and F - have been major chords. One way to increase the interest of a chord progression is to add minor chords.
In this and the next in the series, we'll be looking at a couple of minor chords that fit well with the chords and often crop up in songs.
What Is A Minor Chord?
Minor chords are most recognizable as being 'sad' chords. Whereas major chords tend to be associated with a 'happy sound'.
The only change between this happy and sad sound is in the third of the chord.
This third note in a major chord is four frets above the root note. For example, four frets higher than the note C is the note E. So the C major chord contains the E note.
The only difference with a minor chord is that the third note is only three frets over the root (that is one fret lower than in the major chord). So if the root is A, the minor third will be three frets higher: C.
How to Play A Minor
The big advantage of the A minor chords is that it only takes one finger to play it.
When you're playing A minor leave the C, E and A strings all unfretted. Just use your middle finger to play the G string at the second fret.
Before you play A minor for real, it is very important to check that the C string is ringing clearly when you play it (since it is this note that makes the chord minor).
When chords are written up, they are often shortened. So you'll usually see Am used as a shortened form of A minor.
This A minor chord fits excellently with the major chords we have looked at so far. So if you're looking to write a song, all these chords will go together well.
In this and the next in the series, we'll be looking at a couple of minor chords that fit well with the chords and often crop up in songs.
What Is A Minor Chord?
Minor chords are most recognizable as being 'sad' chords. Whereas major chords tend to be associated with a 'happy sound'.
The only change between this happy and sad sound is in the third of the chord.
This third note in a major chord is four frets above the root note. For example, four frets higher than the note C is the note E. So the C major chord contains the E note.
The only difference with a minor chord is that the third note is only three frets over the root (that is one fret lower than in the major chord). So if the root is A, the minor third will be three frets higher: C.
How to Play A Minor
The big advantage of the A minor chords is that it only takes one finger to play it.
When you're playing A minor leave the C, E and A strings all unfretted. Just use your middle finger to play the G string at the second fret.
Before you play A minor for real, it is very important to check that the C string is ringing clearly when you play it (since it is this note that makes the chord minor).
When chords are written up, they are often shortened. So you'll usually see Am used as a shortened form of A minor.
This A minor chord fits excellently with the major chords we have looked at so far. So if you're looking to write a song, all these chords will go together well.
About the Author:
Al Wood talks about the ukulele at his blog where you can get more expert know how on ukulele chords.
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