Piano Chords and Minor Chords

Posted by Yoke Wong on 9/28/2011 to Piano Chords
In my last blog article I mentioned the importance of piano chords and chord inversions. I also briefly discussed the formula of building a major chord. Another common chord or triad is the minor chord. You know you have heard a minor chord when the chord sounded mellow and even a bit sad.
 
A majority of the music from the Asian world is composed in the minor key, which gives a unique flavor, sometimes associated with Asia and nostalgic feelings.

You too can build a minor chord using a specific formula, 3+4 semitone.
 
For example: F minor chords
F minor chord
 
 
Some of the most impressive classical music was composed in the minor key such as the Pathetique sonata by Beethoven, composed in the key of C minor. Musicologists often wondered whether Mozarts piano sonata K. 457 inspired the Pathetique sonata since both compositions are in C minor and have three similar movements. The second movement of the Pathetique, adagio cantabile, has a similar theme to Mozarts sonata.
 
However, Beethovens sonata makes use of a distinctive motif line throughout, a major contrast from Mozarts music.
You can compose a simple melody using a minor chord progression such as A minor - D minor - A minor (I-IV-I chord progression).

 

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3 Comments

Rose H.
Date: 9/29/2011 11:09:08 AM
Thank you for the great information. I actually noticed that on some songs but i never give it much thought. Now i know how important those piano chords are. I better start try piano improvisation. Thank you so much Yoke.
Louisa
Date: 1/16/2012 11:09:43 PM
The piano chords and formula greatly helps! Wonder if you can post more tips on how to learn and play piano chords - those extended and complicated chords in your future piano lessons. Louisa From San Diego
armando
Date: 6/19/2018

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