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Chords and Intervals by JazzMaverick 2 Sep 2008 Views: 537

This is basically for those who don't really know much about chords and it's intervals. And mainly has more Jazzy chords, but this is still helpful for those who aren't interested in Jazz.

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Small Glossary
♭ = flat
semitone = 1 note above the previous. e.g. C to C#
Augmented = A sharpened or raised note.
Diminished = A flattened or lowered note.

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Each chord has a series of intervallic relationships to the root of the chord. Providing an accurate and understandable basis for working out these chords in each key.

These are the terms used to describe intervals:

R  --> This is the root of the chord

♭2 -->   Minor Second  --> This is a semitone above the root.

2  -->   Major Second  --> 2 Semitones above the root.

♭3 -->   Minor Third   --> 3 Semitones above.

3  -->   Major Third   --> 4 Semitones.

4  -->  Perfect Fourth --> 5 Semitones.

#4 --> Augmented Fourth -> 6 Semitones.

♭5 --> Diminished Fifth -> 6 Semitones.

5  -->  Perfect Fifth  --> 7 Semitones.

#5 --> Augmented Fifth --> 8 Semitones.

♭6 -->   Minor Sixth   --> 8 Semitones.

6  -->   Major Sixth   --> 9 Semitones.

♭7 -->  Minor Seventh  --> 10 Semitones.

7  -->  Major Seventh  --> 11 Semitones.

All root chords are described starting with the lowest note and ascending in pitch. For instance, a chord described as "r, 3, 5" contains the root, a major third above the root and a perfect fifth above the root. If this chord were built on Bb (with Bb as the root) it would contain the notes Bb (root) D (major third) F (a perfect fifth).