When you first start learning music, you begin with basic chords like major and minor triads. As you grow more comfortable, you might start exploring more complex chords to add richness and depth to your playing. Extended chords are a fantastic way to do just that. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll explore what extended chords are and how you can use them to add color to your music.
What Are Extended Chords?
Extended chords are chords that go beyond the basic triads and seventh chords by adding additional notes from the scale. These notes are typically the 9th, 11th, and 13th. Extended chords can create a richer, more complex sound that adds emotional depth and sophistication to your music.
Basic Triads and Seventh Chords
Before diving into extended chords, let’s quickly review basic triads and seventh chords:
- Triad: A three-note chord consisting of the root, third, and fifth (e.g., C-E-G).
- Seventh Chord: A four-note chord consisting of the root, third, fifth, and seventh (e.g., C-E-G-B).
The Concept of Extensions
Extensions are notes that are added to a basic triad or seventh chord to create a more complex sound. The most common extensions are the 9th, 11th, and 13th:
- 9th: The 9th is the same as the 2nd note in the scale, but an octave higher.
- 11th: The 11th is the same as the 4th note in the scale, but an octave higher.
- 13th: The 13th is the same as the 6th note in the scale, but an octave higher.
Constructing Extended Chords
Let’s start with a basic C major triad and build extended chords from there.
Adding a 7th
To create a Cmaj7 chord, add the 7th note (B) to the C major triad (C-E-G):
Cmaj7: C – E – G – B
Adding a 9th
To create a Cmaj9 chord, add the 9th note (D) to the Cmaj7 chord:
Cmaj9: C – E – G – B – D
Adding an 11th
To create a Cmaj11 chord, add the 11th note (F) to the Cmaj9 chord. Note that the 11th is often altered or omitted in practice to avoid dissonance with the major third (E):
Cmaj11: C – E – G – B – D – F
Adding a 13th
To create a Cmaj13 chord, add the 13th note (A) to the Cmaj11 chord:
Cmaj13: C – E – G – B – D – F – A
Tips for Using Extended Chords
- Start Simple: Begin by adding just one extension, like the 7th or 9th, to your chords. Get comfortable with these sounds before moving on to more complex chords.
- Voice Leading: Pay attention to the movement of individual notes when transitioning between chords. Smooth, stepwise motion often sounds more pleasing.
- Experiment: Try different combinations of extensions to see what sounds you like best. Music is all about experimentation and finding your unique voice.
- Listen and Learn: Listen to songs and pieces that use extended chords. Jazz, R&B, and modern pop often feature these chords prominently. Try to identify and play along with them.
- Practice in Different Keys: Practice forming and playing extended chords in various keys to become more versatile in your playing.
Conclusion
Extended chords are a powerful tool for adding color and depth to your music. By understanding how to construct and use them, you can bring new emotional and harmonic richness to your playing. Remember, the key to mastering extended chords is practice and experimentation. So, start simple, listen carefully, and enjoy the journey of exploring these beautiful sounds. Happy playing!