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Harmony and Chords
TUTORZONE SUBJECT GUIDE · MUSIC THEORY
Harmony is the sound of notes sounding together; chords are the structures that make that sound. This guide explains both — how they are built, the main chord types, and the progressions that give music its motion, emotion, and color.
Direct Answer：What are harmony and chords?
Harmony is the sound of notes sounding together, and chords are the structures that make that sound, built into progressions that give music motion。
What Is Harmony?
Harmony refers to the effect or feeling created by the simultaneous sounding of notes or chords. From a musical perspective, harmony is the sound effect created by the simultaneous playing of multiple notes or chords. It determines the emotional atmosphere of the music and influences its flow and structure. Harmony is more than just the sum of several notes; it also encompasses the relationships and coordination between the notes.
Harmony is more than just the sum of several notes; it also encompasses the relationships and coordination between the notes.
The Main Functions of Harmony
- Creating harmonious or dissonant effects——Harmony can create harmonious sound effects or produce a sense of dissonant tension. These dissonant effects often trigger resolution, thus promoting the progress of the music.
- Expressing emotions——Harmony is an important means of expressing emotions in music. Major harmony usually sounds bright and positive, while minor harmony often carries a melancholic and gloomy feeling.
- Supporting melody——Harmony is often the supporting structure of melody in music. It not only enhances the expressiveness of the melody but also helps shape the development of the melody.
How Harmony Is Built
Harmony is often composed of multiple notes, which can be from the same scale or mode, arranged according to certain interval relationships. Harmony is sometimes based on a specific chord progression, such as the I-IV-VI chord progression in the key of C major.
Harmonic development relies on basic chord progressions (e.g., major, minor, and seventh chords) to create tension and release in the music. For example, the transition from one stable chord to another often evokes emotional fluctuations that play a significant role in the progression of the music.
What Is a Chord?
A chord is a structure consisting of three or more notes sounding simultaneously. Chords can be based on the notes of a scale or mode, and they are one of the most fundamental elements in music composition. Their primary function is to support the melody and play a key role in harmony.
Chord Structure
A chord is a basic structure consisting of three notes:
- Root——The basic note of a chord, which is the starting point of the chord.
- Third——The third note above the root note. Depending on the interval, the third note can be a major third or a minor third.
- Fifth——The fifth note above the third, usually a perfect fifth or diminished fifth.
For example, a C major chord consists of C (root), E (major third), and G (perfect fifth).
Common Chord Types
Chord types can vary greatly depending on the interval structure between the chord notes. Common chord types include:
Major Chord
A major chord is made up of the root note, the major third, and the perfect fifth, giving it a stable, bright feel. For example, a C major chord is made up of C, E, and G.
Minor Chord
A minor chord is made up of a root note, a minor third, and a perfect fifth, and can sound melancholic or somber. For example, an A minor chord is made up of A, C, and E.
Seventh Chord
A seventh chord is a chord consisting of a triad (major or minor) plus a seventh. Seventh chords are often used to create harmonic tension and provide more depth and color to music. Common seventh chords include:
- Major Seventh Chord——For example, the C major seventh chord (Cmaj7), which consists of C, E, G, and B.
- Minor Seventh Chord——For example, the A minor seventh chord (Am7), which is composed of A, C, E, and G.
- Dominant Seventh Chord——For example, the G dominant seventh chord (G7), consists of G, B, D, and F.
Augmented & Diminished Chords
An augmented chord is made up of the root note, the major third, and the augmented fifth. The augmented fifth interval makes the chord sound unstable and full of tension. For example, the C augmented chord is made up of C, E, and G#.
Diminished chords, which consist of the root note, a minor third, and a diminished fifth, sound more tense and unstable. For example, a C diminished chord consists of C, E♭, and G♭.
Chord Progressions
Chord progressions are the regular progressions between chords, a fundamental part of music composition. They help create rhythm, emotion, and structure. Common chord progressions include:
- I-IV-VI progression——This is the most common chord progression in major keys. For example, the I-IV-VI progression in the key of C major is: C major triad (C), F major triad (F), G dominant seventh chord (G7), C major triad (C).
- ii-VI progression——This is a common chord progression in jazz, usually used for chord transitions and endings.
The Relationship Between Harmony and Chords
- Harmony——is the effect of multiple notes playing simultaneously. It encompasses chords, chord progressions, and the relationships between notes. Harmony focuses on the structure, coordination, and tension of notes, and often reflects the emotion of the music.
- Chords——are the basic elements of harmony. Chords are the specific structure of notes, and chord progressions are the basis for the development and change of music.
Therefore, harmony and chords are closely linked. Chords provide the foundation for harmony, while harmony is the application and development of chords in music. In music creation and performance, the two work together to create rich musical layers and emotional expressions.
Conclusion
Harmony and chords play a crucial role in music. Chords are the core elements of harmony, and harmony is the sound produced by the interaction between these chords. Understanding chord structure and harmonic development helps composers create works with greater depth, emotion, and structure. Whether in classical music, pop music, jazz, or other genres, harmony and chords are the foundation of musical language.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between harmony and a chord?
A chord is a specific structure — three or more notes sounding together — while harmony is the broader effect created when notes or chords sound simultaneously. Chords are the building blocks; harmony is the sound those blocks produce together.
Q: What makes a major chord sound different from a minor chord?
It comes down to the third. A major chord uses a major third above the root, which sounds bright and stable, while a minor chord uses a minor third, giving it a more melancholic or somber character. The fifth stays the same in both.
Q: How many notes are needed to form a chord?
At least three. A triad — root, third, and fifth — is the simplest chord; adding a seventh (as in Cmaj7, Am7, or G7) creates a richer, more colorful sound.
Q: Why do seventh chords sound unresolved?
The added seventh creates harmonic tension that naturally wants to resolve. This is exactly why dominant seventh chords such as G7 are so common — they pull the music toward the tonic and drive the progression forward.
Further Resources & Next Steps
- Official Resources——The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) publishes graded theory syllabuses and workbooks that cover harmony and chords from first principles.
- Further Reading——“Harmony and Voice Leading” by Edward Aldwell and Carl Schachter, and “The Complete Musician” by Steven Laitz, both offer thorough, structured introductions to harmony.
- Parent Tips——Encourage daily practice that links sound to symbols: have learners play a C major and an A minor chord back to back and describe the mood of each, building the ear alongside the theory.
Note: The information above is for reference only. Please consult professional education institutions for details.
This article was initially drafted and organised with AI. Editor / Professor Chan Kwok-wai; Managing Editor / Kong Yee-leung
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