2 = whole step (2 frets) 1 = half-step (1 fret) We use the "formula" for creating a major scale, in this case, G. We use G as the root, THEN we do the 2212221 for a total of 8 notes (root and octave are the same note) G (KEY or starting point)-A(2)-B(2)-C(1)-D(2)-E(2)-F#(2)-G(1) or G A B C D E F# G The chords we typically hear when we're playing in the key of G are created from these 7 notes. Major chord is constructed from the Root, 3rd, and 5th of a major scale. Minor chord is constructed from the Root, flatted-3rd, and 5th of a major scale. In a major chord, the distance between the root to the 3rd note are two whole- steps (4 frets), the distance between the 3rd to the 5th is one and one-half steps (3 frets) In a minor chord, the distance between the root to the 3rd note is one and one-half steps (3 frets), the distance between the 3rd to the 5th is two whole-steps (4 frets) If we start the notes in a G major scale at different points we get the following: G A B C D E F# G A B C D E F# G A B C D E F# G A B C D E F# G A B C D E F# G A B C D E F# G A B C D E F# G A B C D E F# If we take the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of each of these, we will be constructing chords (major, minor) that will sound good with the notes in a G major scale (since we constructed them from these very notes!) Let's take the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of each of these, remembering: G B D = I chord A C E = ii chord B D F# = iii chord C E G = IV chord D F# A = V chord E G B = vi chord F# A C = vii chord In a major chord, the distance between the root to the 3rd note are two whole- steps (4 frets), the distance between the 3rd to the 5th is one and one-half steps (3 frets) In a minor chord, the distance between the root to the 3rd note is one and one-half steps (3 frets), the distance between the 3rd to the 5th is two whole-steps (4 frets) B D = I chord G major A C E = ii chord A minor (relative minor of the IV chord) B D F# = iii chord B minor (relative minor of the V chord) E G = IV chord C major D F# A = V chord D major G B = vi chord E minor (relative minor of the I chord) F# A C = vii chord F# minor b5 The 1, 3, and 5 tell us whether the chord is major or minor, the 4 note adds a color to it. In other words, the D chord sounds good against the notes in a G scale but the D7 sounds better...fuller. However, as you know, the typical chords you hear are G, A-, B-, C, D7, E-. Major 7th (maj7) and Dominant 7th (7) chords: -------------------------------------------- Major 7th chord is constructed from the Root, 3rd, 5th, and 7th of a major scale Dominant 7th chord is constructed from the Root, 3rd, 5th, and flatted- 7th of a major scale In a major 7th chord, the distance between the 5th to the 7th is two whole- steps (4 frets) In a dominant 7th chord, the distance between the 5th to the 7th is one and one-half steps (3 frets) G A B C D E F# G A B C D E F# G A B C D E F# G A B C D E F# G A B C D E F# G A B C D E F# G A B C D E F# G A B C D E F# Let's add another note (the 7th) to the chords you constructed. G B D F# = G maj7 A C E G = A-7 B D F# A = B-7 C E G B = Cmaj7 D F# A C = D7 E G B D = E-7 F# A C E = F#-7b5 Where is this going? In order to jam against a song like "Blackberry Blossom" in the key of G, you no longer need to have a bunch of G, C, D, and E- licks which stand alone. Instead, the knowledge that these chords are created from the notes in a G major scale let us know that any licks we need can be constructed from these 7 notes.