Chords In Keys

Wondering What Are Chords In Keys? 🤔

Let's dive into a bit of music theory!

If you're an advancing beginner, you might be wondering: What do chords in the key mean?

Here's the basic idea when we're talking about chords in keys. All of the notes in a chord come from one specific scale. Typically, this is a major scale; minor scales have a different theoretical approach. 

If you look at all of the notes on a major scale, we can combine those notes to form chords. All of those chords that we use in that scale are in the same key of that scale. For more theoretical details, check out my Practical Music Theory Course! :)

Now - to better understand this, let's look at the key of the C major.

 

Chords in the Key of C

All chords in the key of C will only use notes from the C major scale.

Major Chords: C, F, G

Minor Chords: Dm, Em, Am

 

Songs containing a combination of those chords are said to be in the key of C. Makes sense, right? :)

When playing a song in the key of C, you'll want to use notes from the C major scale in the melody lines and solos. One of the many reasons why it's essential to practice your scales.

Work out the notes in the chords and compare them against those in the C major scale. Try writing out the notes in the scale and the chords. If you're a songwriter, listen to songs using the key of C to get familiar with the actual sound of the key.

 

Get Started With Improvising

Knowing this is super useful when you're improvising a guitar solo! Use the chords that are part of the signature key of the song - and you'll have a solo that sounds great and makes sense!

Think of Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers. It's in the Key of C - and you guessed it - their awesome solo only uses a combination in the C Major Scale!

A fun exercise is trying to figure out the solo by yourself! Even if you don't get it right 100%, it's a fantastic way to develop your musicianship.

 

And that wraps up Module 9. Let's implement all those skills and set up an effective practice schedule!