Chord families. Any logic to them?


rono1
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Joined: 01/25/09
Posts: 19
rono1
Registered User
Joined: 01/25/09
Posts: 19
01/29/2009 3:47 pm
Just wondering if the chords included in each chord family have any logic or pattern to them. In other words, why do the chords of A, E and D make up the A family; why D, Em, A and G make up the D family; and so on. Just trying to see if I can remember what makes up a chord family through some logical understanding rather than pure, brute memory! Thanks.
# 1
ChristopherSchlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Joined: 08/09/05
Posts: 8,384
ChristopherSchlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Joined: 08/09/05
Posts: 8,384
01/29/2009 4:49 pm
Originally Posted by: rono1Just wondering if the chords included in each chord family have any logic or pattern to them. In other words, why do the chords of A, E and D make up the A family; why D, Em, A and G make up the D family; and so on. Just trying to see if I can remember what makes up a chord family through some logical understanding rather than pure, brute memory! Thanks.

Look at the lessons on intervals, scales, chords and (most importantly) the relationship between scales and chords in Guitar Fundamentals 2:
http://www.guitartricks.com/course.php?input=2

After that look at my concise overview of music theory:
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=495

And improvisation:
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=483
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=491

In a nutshell, certain chords belong together (in "families" or "key groups") because they all contain notes that are from one scale (otherwise known as a "key"). :)
Christopher Schlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor

Christopher Schlegel Lesson Directory
# 2
rono1
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Joined: 01/25/09
Posts: 19
rono1
Registered User
Joined: 01/25/09
Posts: 19
01/30/2009 1:18 pm
Originally Posted by: CSchlegelLook at the lessons on intervals, scales, chords and (most importantly) the relationship between scales and chords in Guitar Fundamentals 2:
http://www.guitartricks.com/course.php?input=2

After that look at my concise overview of music theory:
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=495

And improvisation:
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=483
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=491

In a nutshell, certain chords belong together (in "families" or "key groups") because they all contain notes that are from one scale (otherwise known as a "key"). :)


Thanks for the references; very useful. It seems I may have jumped the gun a bit. Thanks again.
# 3
Itsmesilly
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Joined: 01/16/09
Posts: 292
Itsmesilly
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Joined: 01/16/09
Posts: 292
01/30/2009 8:55 pm
I am finding it very hard not to "jump the gun" like you said.
It seems like one little thing leads to 20 others and I lose focus of the task I was orginally attempting.
I am reading some throey stuff while Im at work and cant play....
and its more advanced then my fingers....lolol
# 4
rono1
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Joined: 01/25/09
Posts: 19
rono1
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Joined: 01/25/09
Posts: 19
02/01/2009 1:40 am
LOL!! Yeah, I hear you! Same thing's happening to me. I guess it's a good thing though...
# 5

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