Playing the Major Chord http://www.zebrakeys.com/printpage/?

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Lesson 9 - Playing the Major Chord

I. Index

1. Introduction

2. Playing the Major Chord

3. Major Chord in All 12 Keys

4. Conclusion

II. Content

1. Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn about major chords. Major chords are basically three notes that are
played together or nearly together. You can recognize a major chord when you hear it because it
sounds happy. Major chords can be used to play literally 1000's of songs ranging from classical
tunes to today's most popular hits.

2. Playing the Major Chord

Let's take a look at the major chord starting on C. This is also called the C major chord. In the
animation below, the notes of the C major chord are first played separately, then together.

3. Major Chord in All 12 Keys

You can play the major chord in all twelve keys. Below is a chart of all 12 major chords. If you
look closely at the chart below, there is actually a pattern that can help you recognize all 12
major chords.

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Playing the Major Chord http://www.zebrakeys.com/printpage/?id=l9

The first three chords are made up of entirely white keys. These chords are the C major
chord, F major chord, and G major chord.
The second three chords are made up of the pattern: white key, black key, white key.
These chords are the D major chord, E major chord, and A major chord.
The third three chords are made up of the pattern: black key, white key, black key. These
chords are the Db major chord, Eb major chord and Ab major chord.
The last three chords are the oddball chords. The Gb major chord is made up of all black
keys. The Bb major chord is made up of the pattern: black key, white key, white key. The B
major chord is the opposite of the Bb major chord, and is made up the pattern: white key,
black key, black key.

4. Conclusion
The major chord can be used to play 1000's of songs ranging from classical songs to today's
most familiar chart topping hits. In this lesson, you reviewed the C major chord. There is a major
chord for each of the 12 keys.

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