The Difference Between Major and Minor Chords
Today’s topic is the difference between major and minor chords. Perhaps you’ve noticed this before, but the difference is only a single note! That note is the 3rd. The other two notes in the chord are the root note, and the fifth -- those notes are the same regardless of whether you’re making a major chord or a minor chord. So the difference between major and minor is quite minor, really. 
Anyways, this is a handy bit of theory to know, but even better is seeing the thirds pattern and how it can be used on the guitar. Major thirds and minor thirds are some of the sweetest sounding harmonies you’ll hear, so it really pays to learn how to use those intervals on your guitar.
If you’re not familiar with the scale degrees, and how they can be used like numbers, you might want to checkout my lesson on Unlocking I IV V, as it explains that in detail.
This video is really just an introduction to thirds, but stay tuned -- I’ll be doing more on this topic in future lessons.
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So there it is, the difference between major and minor. Any questions, fire away.
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Thanks so ie the 3rd note of the Maj chord is dropped a half step
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Barry Little Sr. Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:53 am
I’m the worst singer on the planet, a friend told me to sing to the 3rd note of the key so in G I find B and match my voice there. What do ya think?
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Jonathan Boettcher Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:56 am
Yeah – the third is the most common harmony out there, and it always sounds great. That’s good advice.
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Hi Barry – yes, so if you drop the 3rd in the major chord a half step, you will create a minor chord.
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