Understand chord theory with clear guides to intervals, inversions, harmonic function, progressions, and musical relationships.
A deceptive cadence is a harmonic progression that subverts the expected resolution from the dominant chord to the tonic, typically moving to the vi chord instead. It creates surprise and prolongs tension, and is a staple of tonal music from the Baroque era to contemporary pop.
A chord inversion rearranges the order of notes so that a note other than the root occupies the lowest pitch. This technique is fundamental to voice leading, harmonic variety, and bass‑line movement across many musical styles.
A major seventh chord is a four‑note harmony built from a major triad plus a major seventh interval above the root. It is common in jazz, pop, and classical music for its lush, slightly tense sound.
A plagal cadence is a harmonic progression that moves from the subdominant (IV) to the tonic (I) chord, often heard at the end of hymns and folk songs. It creates a softer, more gentle resolution than the dominant‑tonic authentic cadence.
A chord is a simultaneous sounding of three or more distinct pitches, creating harmony in Western music. Chords serve as the building blocks of progressions, shaping the emotional contour of a piece.
An extended chord is a harmony that adds tones beyond the seventh—such as ninths, elevenths, and thirteenths—to create richer color and tension in music.
A seventh chord is a four‑note harmony built by adding a seventh interval to a basic triad. It comes in several varieties—major, dominant, minor, half‑diminished, and fully diminished—each with distinct tonal functions.
A major chord is a three‑note triad consisting of a root, a major third, and a perfect fifth. It forms the foundation of much Western harmony and is recognized for its bright, stable sound.
An authentic cadence is a harmonic progression that creates a sense of finality by moving from the dominant chord to the tonic. It appears in two main forms—perfect and imperfect—depending on voice leading and chord inversion.
A power chord is a two‑note harmony, typically the root and perfect fifth, often doubled at the octave. It is a staple of electric guitar playing in rock, metal and related styles, especially when combined with distortion.