Welcome to the first day of the 12 days of music. Within the next twelve days you will see some special music articles and tips to get you started for 2011. This post is about something many people have not heard of. Our first gift and music tip is about quartal chords. This is hot tip for any musician playing piano/organ.
This concept is highlighted extensively in the GospelKeys 202 and is a great tool to use.
Just to recap the basics:
A major chord is created when you have 1+3+5 or to break it down even further a major third and a minor third.
For instance, when you count up three whole steps in the key of C it takes you to E to E which is a major third. E to G is a minor third.
**Keep in mind that E to F is a half step then F to G is a whole step.
Here a question now:
When you hear the word quartal what comes to mind?
Quarter
Quart...Water
..........The answer is a 4th!!!
Here is a easy formula to create Quartal Chords
Just take the fourth of the orginal note:
For example in the Key of C
Start with C then it's the fourth of C which is F then the fourth of F which is Bb
Here is the chord: C+F+Bb
**Quick Tip: You don't have to have a quartal chord with just three notes..Have fun and try to go with 4 or 5 notes
Alright, now that we explained what quartal chords are I guess you all are wondering where can you use them and most importantly the breakdown
In the key of C here is the breakdown of all the chords with a C bass
C + F + Bb
D + G + C (Choice 2)
E + A + D (Choice 4)
F + Bb + Eb
G + C + F
A + D + G (Choice 1)
B + E + A (Choice 3)
**The main objective is to find a suitable one chord**
Here are some of the options that are availiable in the Key of C:
1) C bass /// B + E + A
2) C bass /// A + D + G
3) C bass /// E + A + D
4) C bass /// D + G + C
**These above are all on the C bass**
What I have done below is list a couple of my favourite quartal chords in other keys such as Db, D, Eb
Key of Db (all over the Db bass)
Db bass/// F + Bb + Eb
Db bass/// Bb + Eb + Ab
Key of D
D bass/// B + E+ A
Key of Eb
Eb bass /// C + F + Bb
Experiment and have fun. Try playing quartal chords that are not apart of the scale such as the black keys. Learn all 12 keys! If you experiment in the black keys you will notice that the same principle works too.
This is going to give you playing a boost in 2011!!
If you have any questions about any music concepts go to:
www.helpingadvice.blogspot.com/askbizmoderator