About Chord Symbols

The logic of chord symbol notation reflects the evolution of harmony, from simple diatonic sonorities to complex chromaticism. A chord symbol implies tonality: a governing tone, or root. All other tones are indicated by their relationship to the root. Even complex chords can be reduced to a single tonality.

Chord symbols are constructed from five components: The root, a modifier, extensions, alterations, and a bass note if the chord is inverted. A simple major triad is symbolized by the root (letter name) only; the other components expand the symbol to represent a multitude of sonorities.

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This symbol represents a 7-tone sonority -- a major triad with the 3rd in the bass, a major 7th, an implied 9th, an augmented 11th and a 13th.

Extensions and alterations may be configured linearly or stacked. Some music notation applications offer a choice.

The correct use of chord symbols, as well as accurate notation,

will assure a faithful interpretation of your music in performance.

COMMON CHORD TYPES AND SYMBOLS

Root

SYMBOL	CHORD TYPE
(letter name)	MAJOR TRIAD

The root (a letter name with sharp or flat when appropriate) represents the tonal center, its fifth and major third, which implies the primary overtones of the harmonic series and embodies the Western European concept of tonality. All other chord types are derived from the major triad through the use of additional symbols.

Modifiers

SYMBOL	CHORD TYPE
m or mi or min	MINOR TRIAD

A triad is understood to be major unless modified with one of these symbols. The use of the dash (-) is not recommended as it is simply too difficult to see. The single lower case ''m'' is widely used; however ''mi'' or ''min'' are more specific and easily distinguished from upper case ''MA''. "Minor'' always refers to the 3rd of the chord and is not used in any other context.

SYMBOL	CHORD TYPE
MA or MAJ	MAJOR 7th

The use of ''M '' ''+'' and other symbols only lead to confusion. The worst offense of all is using the slashed 7 to represent a major 7th chord. Since both types of seven (7 and slashed 7) are used throughout the world and music is truly international, the use of either seven should be confined to the dominant 7th or minor 7th chord. To use anything other than MA7 or MAJ7 to represent a major 7th chord invites harmonic disaster. "Major'' always refers to the 7th of the chord and is not used in any other context.

SYMBOL	CHORD TYPE
	AUGMENTED TRIAD

The PLUS sign should be used exclusively for the augmented triad and its extensions (C+) (C+7) (C+Maj7) (C+9). Other raised chord-tones are indicated by the # sign. #5 is commonly used in conjunction with other altered extensions, as (#5#9) or (#5b13).

SYMBOL	CHORD TYPE
	DIMINISHED TRIAD

The small circle (degree sign) denotes a diminished triad, although musicians often add the diminished 7th when reading this symbol.

SYMBOL	CHORD TYPE
	DIMINISHED 7th

The diminished symbol with a seven denotes a diminished 7th chord. Note that this is a four-note symmetrical chord. Since the diminished triad is rare, the diminished 7th chord is often indicated with the "o"(degree) symbol.

SYMBOL	CHORD TYPE
sus4	SUSPENDED 4th

The 4th replaces the 3rd -- traditional suspension. In modern music, the suspension is recognized as an independent sound, not necessarily compelled to resolve

The sus4 is so common that it is often notated simply sus However, if the music also contains sus2 chords, sus4 should be specified to avoid confusion.

SYMBOL	CHORD TYPE
sus2	SUSPENDED 2nd

The sus2 functions like the sus4, replacing the 3rd. Not to be confused with the 2 (add2) chord. (See ADDED TONES below.)

Extensions

The extended chord symbol carries the name of the largest interval (highest chord-tone). Lower extensions are implied. If the next lower extension is not part of the chord, parentheses are used.

SYMBOL	CHORD TYPE
7	SEVENTH (triad, add dominant 7h)
9	NINTH (implies dominant 7th chord, add 9)
11	ELEVENTH (implies dom. 7th chord, add 9 and 11)
13	THIRTEENTH (implies dom. 7th chord, add 9, 11 and 13)

All extended chords are dominant chord types unless specified with ''MA'' or "MAJ'' indicating a Major 7th. Therefore, MA9 indicates a major 7th, add 9 chord.

Alterations

SYMBOL	CHORD TYPE
5	FLAT FIVE
5	SHARP FIVE
9	FLAT NINE
9	SHARP NINE
11	SHARP ELEVEN
13	FLAT THIRTEEN

(not +) is used for a raised 5th in conjunction with other altered extensions.

(not +) is used for a raised 9th, 11th.

(not -) is used for lowered 5th, 9th, 13th

An altered extension is added to a lower extension, such as: C7b9 or C9#11.

Less common alterations: 2, #4, 6. While these symbols are sometimes used to indicate condensed voicings, the corresponding extensions 9, #11 and b13 are more familiar. The fifth is sometimes omitted from the higher extended chords; the symbol need not reflect this omission.

SYMBOL	CHORD TYPE
mi7(5) or	HALF DIMINISHED 7th

The symbol is okay for sketching but mi7(b5) is recommended for studio or publication.

Added Tones

SYMBOL	CHORD TYPE
2	ADD2
6	ADD6

2 indicates a triad with an added 2; 6 indicates a triad with an added 6. Any other added tones should be preceded with ''add'' to avoid confusion: add4; add9. Parentheses ( ) are sometimes used, rather than add. It is important to distinguish between 2 (2 added to a triad) and sus2 (2 replacing the 3rd.)

Omitted Tones

SYMBOL	CHORD TYPE
5	TRIAD, NO THIRD

The ''power chord'' is notated as simply 5 rather than NO3 or OMIT3 This streamlined notation was devised by studio musicians and eventually appeared in published music. Some rock-style songs contain 5 chords exclusively. A C5(add9) chord may be notated C5(9).

Bass

SYMBOL	CHORD TYPE
/	INVERSION or COMPOUND*

If no bass is specified in the symbol, it is implied that the chord is in root position; the root and bass note are the same.

* COMPOUND referred to as "slash chord" in FastChords.

Summary of Chord Symbol Conventions

The letter name alone implies a major triad..

"minor" always refers to the 3rd of a chord.

"MAJOR" always refers to the 7th of a chord.

7 Dominant type 7th.

+ Reserved for the Augmented 5th -- a symmetrical chord.

the sharp (# not +) is used for raised tones (#5, #9, #11).

the flat ( not -) is used for lowered tones (5, 9, 11).

Minor triad with flat 5th.

Full-diminished 7th (symmetrical) chord.

mi7(5) or Half-diminished 7th

sus4 and sus2 Both replace the 3rd.

2, 6, add4, add9 Tones added to a major or minor triad.

5 Triad with the 3rd omitted. "Power Chord"

Parenthesis are used when necessary to clarify the chord. (5), (#9) etc.

Parenthesis are sometimes substituted for "add". C5(9), Cm(9).

Chord symbols do not indicate voicings -- the actual vertical configuration or spacing of chord tones. However some symbols may imply a voicing. C(9) implies a triad with the 9th added at the top of the chord, while C2 implies a triad with the 9th in close voicing, below the 3rd.