Lesson 7

Just as major chords are formed from a major scale (triad), minor chords are formed from a minor scale. However, we will make things easier by creating the minor versions of chords by relating them to their major chord forms. Form the E minor (Em) in the following manner:

1. - Form an E major chord.
2. - Lift the 1st finger - off the 3rd string.

The difference between the major and minor voicings of a chord is that the major chord form is altered by lowering the 3rd tone of the major scale (the mi note of the triad) one half step (one fret).

Minor chords, have a distinctive sound. Most people think of a minor chord as having a sad or melancholy sound. Using a minor chord voicing, or playing an entire song in a minor key is one way for a musician to add emotion to a piece of music.

Minor chords can be substituted or added to the arrangement of a song to enhance the melody. Sometimes known as passing chords, they can be inserted and played in the measures between the I, IV or V chord changes. Minor chords function as the 2 minor ( IIm), the 3 minor (III m) or the 6 minor (VI m) in any key.

Passing chords are those chords which are inserted into the arrangement of a song to enhance the melody. Because of their ability to express emotion, minor chords are used quite often as passing chords. They can be very effective when used in the right places.

Look at the song "Irene Goodnight" We have already added the I -7th chord

above the word "Irene" in line two. Now, we will add a IIm chord above the next "Irene" just before we go to the V 7th chord. The IIm chord is used to enhance the melody line acting as a
harmonic transition
(passing) from the I to theV-7th chord. Play the new arrangement in the key of G major. The IIm chord in G major is Am.