In Carnatic, there is a saying 'sruthi matha, layam pitha', which means sound of swaras(melody) is like mother, and rhythm is like father of music. There is one more concept called 'harmony', which beautifies the melody, and also supports the rhythm in many ways. Two major elements of harmony are 'chords' and 'base'.
We have given the concept of 'chords' in a simple way, which is used for Indian Music.
Chords, basically a western concept, is a combination of 3 notes played simultaneously., ie., in a keyboard, 3 keys are pressed together to play a chord. Chords enhance the melody if used correctly. A wrong chord may damage the beauty of the melody, and even give a jarring effect.
There are 35 types of chords, and 12 chords in each type.We will discuss the important and most commonly used chord types here.
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Major Chords:
C major chord is written as simply 'C'.
Major chords starting with a white key:
C : C E G
D : D F# A
E : E G# B
F : F A C
G : G B D
A : A C# E
B : B D# F#
There is a simple way of finding these chords. The first note of the chord is the note itself. The second note is the 4th note after that, and the third is 3 notes after that. For example, if you want to find F major chord, first hold 'F' key, then count 4 semi tones from after F, which is 'A', and then count 3 semitones after that, which is 'C'. Thus you can arrive at any major chord by using the formula: Note + 4 + 3
Major chords starting with a black key :
C# : C# F G#
Eb : Eb G Bb
F# : F# Bb C#
Ab : Ab C Eb
Bb : Bb D F
Fingering :
The best fingering (left hand) for playing chords is finger numbers 5, 3, 1
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Minor Chords:
C minor chord is written as 'Cm'.
Minor chords starting with a white key:
Cm : C Eb G
Dm : D F A
Em : E G B
Fm : F Ab C
Gm : G Bb D
Am : A C E
Bm : B D F#
In this type, the first note of the chord is the note itself. The second note is the 3rd note after that, and the third is 4 notes after that. For example, if you want to find F minor chord, first hold 'F' key, then count 3 semi tones from after F, which is 'Ab', and then count 4 semitones after that, which is 'C'. Thus you can arrive at any major chord by using the formula: Note + 3 + 4
Minor chords starting with a black key :
C# : C# E G#
Eb : Eb F# Bb
F# : F# Ab C#
Ab : Ab B Eb
Bb : Bb C# F
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Steps to practice the given chords for a songs :
(We will be moving from one chord to another)
We have given the concept of 'chords' in a simple way, which is used for Indian Music.
Chords, basically a western concept, is a combination of 3 notes played simultaneously., ie., in a keyboard, 3 keys are pressed together to play a chord. Chords enhance the melody if used correctly. A wrong chord may damage the beauty of the melody, and even give a jarring effect.
There are 35 types of chords, and 12 chords in each type.We will discuss the important and most commonly used chord types here.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Major Chords:
C major chord is written as simply 'C'.
Major chords starting with a white key:
C : C E G
D : D F# A
E : E G# B
F : F A C
G : G B D
A : A C# E
B : B D# F#
There is a simple way of finding these chords. The first note of the chord is the note itself. The second note is the 4th note after that, and the third is 3 notes after that. For example, if you want to find F major chord, first hold 'F' key, then count 4 semi tones from after F, which is 'A', and then count 3 semitones after that, which is 'C'. Thus you can arrive at any major chord by using the formula: Note + 4 + 3
Major chords starting with a black key :
C# : C# F G#
Eb : Eb G Bb
F# : F# Bb C#
Ab : Ab C Eb
Bb : Bb D F
Fingering :
The best fingering (left hand) for playing chords is finger numbers 5, 3, 1
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Minor Chords:
C minor chord is written as 'Cm'.
Minor chords starting with a white key:
Cm : C Eb G
Dm : D F A
Em : E G B
Fm : F Ab C
Gm : G Bb D
Am : A C E
Bm : B D F#
In this type, the first note of the chord is the note itself. The second note is the 3rd note after that, and the third is 4 notes after that. For example, if you want to find F minor chord, first hold 'F' key, then count 3 semi tones from after F, which is 'Ab', and then count 4 semitones after that, which is 'C'. Thus you can arrive at any major chord by using the formula: Note + 3 + 4
Minor chords starting with a black key :
C# : C# E G#
Eb : Eb F# Bb
F# : F# Ab C#
Ab : Ab B Eb
Bb : Bb C# F
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Steps to practice the given chords for a songs :
1. Understand the keys and fingers for the chords
2. Practice the chords fingering
3. Movement of chords
(We will be moving from one chord to another)
Eg.,
Cm --> Bb
Bb --> Cm
Bb --> Ab
Ab --> Cm
4. Practice chords without Rhythm (with singing the song notation)
4. Practice chords without Rhythm (with singing the song notation)
5. Practice the chords with rhythm (slow tempo - preferably 60)
6. Synchronise left hand and right hand
7. Slowly increase the tempo and practice till you achieve the required tempo
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7. Slowly increase the tempo and practice till you achieve the required tempo
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