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6.1.4 Chord Definition and Single Tone Comparison of Properties
By definition, a chord is three or more notes played or sung simultaneously. When you hear a major triad, your brain interprets it as a single, unified sound, even though the chord consists of three different pitches. The phenomenon of a unified “chord” sound is analogous to the unified “tone” sound you hear when someone plucks or plays a single note (Table 34).
TABLE 34 Comparing the Properties of a Single Tone with the Properties of a Chord (Major or Minor Triad)
A Single Tone ... |
A Chord (Major or Minor Triad) ... |
---|---|
Consists of a fundamental tone plus a series of overtones at higher pitches. | Consists of a root note (so-called because it’s the chord’s lowest note, scale degree 1) plus additional notes (scale degrees 3 and 5) at higher pitches (in the chord’s “root” position). |
Most of the overtones are different notes from the fundamental (i.e., not in an octave relationship). | The other notes of the chord are different notes from the root (i.e., not in an octave relationship). |
The fundamental and all the overtones occur simultaneously. | The root and the other notes are played or sung simultaneously (usually). |
Although you don’t hear the separate overtones, your brain nevertheless recognizes and processes them. recognizes and processes them. | Although you don’t hear the notes as separate pitches, your brain nevertheless recognizes and processes them. |
The overtones create “tone color,” which enables you to distinguish the difference between the sound of, say, a guitar, from the sound of a piano. | Sounded together, the notes of the triad create “harmony,” which imparts a feeling of color and depth to music. |
Without the context of a key, the sound of a tone is “at rest"—no tension. | Without the context of a key, the sound of a triad is balanced and stable—no tension. |