CHORDS & KEY FAMILIES
You can build chords out of any scale by starting with one note, and adding every second note after that. This is called stacking 3rds. To build simple triads, we stack 3 of these notes together. Click on the link below to see how easy it is to play all 7 chords in the key of C major or A minor.
Minor scales can also be built into chords. Notice how the chords in the key of A minor are the same in C major, but follow a different order? This is because A minor is the relative minor of C major. See if you can write a sad song with these chords. Try them with the rhythms below.
CHORDS & SONGS
RHYTHM PATTERNS
Here are some rhythm patterns that are used in hundreds of songs. Each one gives a different feel. Learn one at a time and then add them to the songs below. You can also make up your own songs by using the rhythms, and random chords in C major.
SONGS
SCALES
RIAM ELEMENTARY
THEORY
Note Names
