Lesson 3

Chords can be grouped into families known as keys. Each key has seven chords. The three most important chords in each key are the tonic chord called the
1 chord, the sub-dominant chord called the 4 chord and the dominant 7th chord called the 5 -7th chord. Another chord you should know about in each key is the relative minor or 6 minor.

Most often, you will find that the chord number system will use Roman Numerals (I - IV - V7th ) to designate the chords.

There are hundreds of well known songs in all musical styles that use just three chords. There are many songs that use only two chords in the family (the I and the V-7th).

Many songs will require the use of only three chords ( I - IV - V7th). However, you will also find many songs that are arranged with several other chords such as the II-7th, IIm (two-minor), VIm, (six-minor) etc.

The chords in the reference table can be played as minors, or 7ths. The VIm in the key of C is Am (A minor). TheV-7th in the key of C is G7th. The II-7th is a D7th, etc.

The bVII (flat seven) chords are one whole step down from the I chord. These chords are used in many folk ballads and Bluegrass songs as part of the chord progression.

If you memorize these chord families you should have no trouble learning and transposing the songs into keys that are more suitable for your singing voice. You may also use a capo to find the correct key for your voice.