An Introduction to Extended Chords: A Beginner’s Guide
When you start to dive into music theory, one of the first things you’ll encounter is chords. These are the building blocks of harmony in music and form the foundation for many songs, whether they’re pop, jazz, rock, or classical. But as you move deeper into music theory, you’ll encounter a fascinating concept: extended chords.
If you’re a beginner, this may sound complex at first, but don’t worry! In this article, we’ll break down what extended chords are, how they’re built, and how you can start using them in your own music.
What Are Extended Chords?
At its most basic, an extended chord is a chord that goes beyond the typical triad (three-note chord) by adding more notes. A triad usually consists of a root note, a third (major or minor), and a fifth. Extended chords add additional notes that go beyond the basic triad, typically the 7th, 9th, 11th, or 13th notes of the scale.
For example, while a simple C major chord consists of just C (root), E (major third), and G (perfect fifth), an extended C major chord might include notes like B (major 7th) or D (major 9th). These additional notes add more color and complexity to the sound.
The Basic Structure of Extended Chords
-
Seventh Chords (7th)
Before diving into more complex extensions, it’s important to first understand seventh chords. These chords are built by adding the 7th note of the scale to a basic triad. For example:- C major 7 (Cmaj7) is C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth), and B (major 7th).
- C dominant 7 (C7) is C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth), and B♭ (minor 7th).
-
Ninth Chords (9th)
After the seventh, the next extension is the ninth, which is the 2nd note of the scale, but an octave higher. For example:- Cmaj9: C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth), B (major 7th), and D (major 9th).
- C9: C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth), B♭ (minor 7th), and D (major 9th).
Ninth chords are often used in jazz and pop music to add a sense of richness and movement.
-
Eleventh Chords (11th)
The eleventh chord adds the 4th note of the scale (an octave higher). It can create a complex, lush sound:- Cmaj11: C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth), B (major 7th), D (major 9th), and F (perfect 11th).
It’s worth noting that in practice, eleventh chords often omit the third (E) and sometimes even the fifth (G) to avoid creating too much dissonance. They are more commonly found in jazz and fusion.
-
Thirteenth Chords (13th)
The thirteenth chord is the most complex of the extended chords, adding the 6th note of the scale (an octave higher) to the mix:- Cmaj13: C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth), B (major 7th), D (major 9th), F (perfect 11th), and A (major 13th).
Again, due to its complexity, the thirteenth chord is often simplified by omitting some notes, such as the 5th or 11th, depending on the context.
How Extended Chords Are Used
Extended chords aren’t just for complexity’s sake—they serve a musical purpose. By adding additional notes, these chords can:
- Create richness: The added tones provide more harmonic depth and texture to the music, making it feel fuller and more vibrant.
- Increase tension: The extra notes can create dissonance, which adds a sense of movement and anticipation. For example, the 9th or 11th can make the chord feel unresolved, and this tension can be resolved later in the progression.
- Introduce color: Extended chords can introduce different emotional flavors. A major 7th can add a dreamy, jazzy feel, while a dominant 7th can bring a bluesy or funky vibe.
Extended chords are especially popular in genres like jazz, R&B, and soul, but they also appear in pop, rock, and classical music. Once you get the hang of them, they open up a whole new world of musical possibilities!
How to Start Using Extended Chords in Your Own Music
-
Experiment with Adding the 7th
Start with a basic triad and try adding the 7th. For example, if you’re playing a C major chord (C, E, G), try adding the B to make a Cmaj7. Notice how the mood changes? This simple addition can dramatically alter the feel of your progression. -
Try Adding the 9th
Once you’re comfortable with seventh chords, experiment with adding the 9th. A common chord progression in jazz is a ii-V-I, where you’ll encounter chords like Dm9 (D minor 9) and G7 (G dominant 7). Play around with these chords and see how the extra notes create a sense of movement and color. -
Use Extended Chords to Spice Up Progressions
If you’re playing a simple chord progression, such as C – G – Am – F, try substituting some of those chords with extended versions. For example, you could play a Cmaj7 instead of a simple C, or a G9 instead of a G major chord. This will give your music more harmonic interest. -
Don’t Overwhelm the Listener
Extended chords are powerful, but too many in a row can sound cluttered. Use them sparingly, and balance them with simpler chords to maintain clarity and focus in your music.
Conclusion
Extended chords are a fantastic way to add depth, color, and emotion to your music. While they may seem complicated at first, once you understand their basic structure and how to use them, they can help you create more dynamic and interesting chord progressions. Whether you’re composing, arranging, or just experimenting on the piano or guitar, extended chords can open up a whole new world of sonic possibilities.
So, next time you’re playing a song, try adding a seventh, ninth, or even an eleventh to your chords. You might be surprised by how much it transforms the sound! Happy playing!