SongWritingFever

Chords

A chord is usually three or four notes played at the same time, so instead of hearing each note alone you hear a "Chord".

Chord Progression is a number of different chords that are played in a certain order...The idea is that different chords relate to each other somehow, and according to this "somehow" songwriters write chord progressions for their melodies.

Melody vs. Chord Progressions

The melody of your song determines how your chord progression is going to sound. It can be the other way around (chord progression then the melody). Note, however, that chord progressions are not "copyright material"...Certain chord progressions are used in BILLION songs. The melody, of course, can be copyrighted.

To be able to write chords for your melody, you have to have some experience with music theory and some experience with a "songwriting instrument" (Piano or Guitar).

Chords in Music Theory

A very big part of music theory is about scales. The "somehow" that relates chords to each other is actually the scales.

There are two different approaches to teaching music theory for songwriters...One teaches scales first and then moves on to chords. The other teaches chords in a "Just learn, no need to understand" manner, then fills you in on all the missing gaps about the scales.

Attention!

What did you learn in this page?!! Nothing :)

My goal was just to give you a bunch of down to earth, simple definitions to the whole thing of Music Theory, Chords and Scales; so that when you go out there to buy a book, visit a website or get a teacher you find yourself familiar with the subject.

Learning music theory and mastering chords needs a lot of hard work, patience and practice...You can spend years trying to master chords. Be patient and notice that it will always help if you can play piano, guitar or a similar instrument.