A chord is a simultaneous sounding of two or more notes. Usually, chords are used to accompany the main melody. Therefore, you need to play them in a timely manner, and read them easily and quickly. There are several ways to write and read chords. Which one to choose - everyone decides for himself.
Instructions
Step 1
Musical way. This method is good for those who studied at a music school, knows musical notation and the basics of building chords. Chords are indicated by notes written above each other on the stave, five rulers. Chords are arranged in lengths and measures in accordance with the melody.
Step 2
Literal way. Since ancient times, each note in the scale has a well-known name, which corresponds to the letters of the Latin alphabet: C - to; D - pe; E - mi; F - fa; G is salt; A - la; H - si; and additionally - B - B flat. Major chords are just designated by capital letters of the Latin alphabet. To indicate minor chords, a small “m” is added to the capital letter on the right. For example, Cm is a C minor chord. Alteration signs, raising and lowering notes by semitone, are also affixed after the capital Latin letters on the right. C # m is a C sharp minor chord.
Step 3
In addition, there are also seventh chords, the designations of which are also affixed to the right of the Latin name, they should be remembered: large minor - mmaj7 or mΔ; large major - maj7 or Δ; small minor - m7; small major - 7; enlarged - 5 + / maj7; reduced - o; small reduced - mØ or m5- / 7.
Step 4
Digital designation. The simplest notation for chords. A chord is designated by a six-digit number, each digit of which is equal to a string number. Thus, the first number is the thinnest string, and the last is the bass, thickest string. The very numerical expression of each digit indicates which fret should be clamped. 0 - not clamped string, x - the string is not played at all, B - bar, placed in front of a six-digit number, separated by /. For example, an A major chord is 020200.
Step 5
Another popular way of reading chords is graphical. Six horizontal parallel lines represent six strings of a guitar. They are numbered or designated by letters of the Latin alphabet in accordance with the name of the unclamped string. The top line is the thinnest string, the bottom line is the bass string. The lines are separated by transverse lines that define the frets, which are numbered in Roman numerals at the top. The Arabic numerals on the line indicate which string should be clamped and with which finger. This is a rather time-consuming way of recording chords, but it is visual.
Step 6
In addition to these methods, chords are also written in words, sometimes several methods are combined. However, this is rather cumbersome and inconvenient.
