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Guitar Chord Theory
Part 2 - Augmented & Diminished Triads
In part 1 of guitar chord theory, we learned about constructing major and minor triads on the guitar using the major scale.
The other two chord forms in the triad "family" are augmented and diminished chords.
Just like major and minor triads, these contain just 3 notes from the major scale (hence - triad!)
Let's look at how to draw these from the major scale...
Augmented chords
Augmented chords/triads are used a lot in jazz and blues. They sound
quite unstable and tense when used in a chord progression so they must
be used wisely and appropriately to fit into the melody.
Let's take a look at the major scale again, like in part 1, starting with the E string root...
We learned about those numbered intervals in part 1.
Augmented triads are basically major chords with a sharp 5th which means you take the 5th note of the major scale above and shift it one half step (one fret) up.
So if we form an augmented chord with the E string as the root, we get something like this...
That's G augmented or Gaug.
Note, that it's only necessary to include the 3 notes in the triad - in the example above we've included a second root
(1) as an octave higher, but this isn't necessary. Keep this in mind
when you're forming chords around the neck and you want a particular
voicing that can't accomodate more than 3 or 4 strings on the guitar.
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Side note: get a head start and learn the major scale in 8 patterns and positions on the fretboard go here (opens in new window for you).
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Let's also look at an augmented shape with the A string as the root. First, the major scale starting on the A string...
Note: there are obviously more than two positions/patterns for
the major scale - the two we've been referencing up to now are built
around the E-shape and A-shape barre chords. Later, we'll look at the
major scale in numerous different patterns and shapes.
So using the scale above, we'll create Baug by sharpening that 5th...
The important thing is to visualize and memorize the original
major scale position of the Root, 3rd and 5th and then you'll find
sharpening or flattening notes much easier to picture. Also remember
that this scale is movable depending on the root note of the
chord. As the root note changes position/fret, the scale shifts with
it, still maintaining its interval pattern.
Now for diminished triads...
Diminished chords
Diminished triads are basically minor chords with a flattened 5th
Simply remember: Aug = major, sharp 5th Dim = minor, flat 5th
Let's look at a diminished chord built around the E-shape (E string root note)
That's Gdim - see how the 5th has been flattened from its original scale position.
And on the A string...
B diminished, or Bdim, that one.
Again, there are more than just two positions for the major scale (more about that on this page, but if you can find (for example) the 3rd and 5th notes for the chord you want, then you can see where they also lie on other strings via the gift of the ears...!
E.g. the 3rd of C major (E) lies on the B string at
fret 5 and the D string at fret 2 to name just a couple. Experiment and
investigate where corresponding notes lie in the major scale. Hey, you
can always use this diagram...
Pfft, definitely not. Try this
step by step lesson instead.
So if you can find the 3rd and 5th for a particular scale on the
diagram above and assign the note letter to it (let's say the G major
scale, starting on the E string, 3rd fret), you should be able to learn
its other positions.
In the next guitar chord theory lesson we'll cover 7th chords including minor 7, major 7, dominant 7 and diminished 7 variations. Use the links below...
See you soon hopefully!
Go Straight to Part 3 - 7th Chords
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