Estimated reading time 2 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Are you unclear about what harmony is? Do you want to know how it works? Harmony is a major subcategory of music theory that helps musicians to understand how notes should go together. This in turn impacts how they arrange their music. Keep reading What Exactly Is a Chord and What Does the Term Harmony Mean? to learn how it works.
This article uses technical musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the post.
What Does the Term Harmony Mean in Music?
“What exactly is a chord and what does the term harmony mean?” First, let’s define harmony:
- It’s the study of how musical tones sound when played together at the same time.
It encompasses:
- Harmonic intervals (two notes)
- Triads (three notes)
- Seventh chords (four notes)
- Extensions such as ninths, elevenths, and thirteenths (five notes or more)
- Also, it deals with how notes interact together while moving in time.
Even when using just triads, vocal arrangements will typically have four parts:
- This style is called SATB writing.
- SATB stands for: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.
- The sopranos are the high women’s voices, the altos are the low women, the tenors are the high men, and the basses are the low men.
For an example, see the simulated choir below.
Mobile users: for best results reading the music, tilt your screen 90o to the right.
Simulated Choir Performing in the Key of E Minor:
For an explanation of shape note notation:
Chords and Harmony Meaning Compared
“What Exactly is a Chord and What Does the Term Harmony Mean?” Next, let’s define chords:
- It has almost the same meaning as the word harmony. That is, notes played at the same time.
- However, harmonic intervals aren’t usually considered to be chords.
- Why? Because chords almost always have three or more notes.
As an example, these are the triads in the key of C major:
When triads are played in a sequence, we call it a chord progression:
- We can analyze them using Roman numerals.
- Also, triads can be major, minor, augmented, or diminished.
- If the notes in a triad are played melodically one at a time, we call it an arpeggio.
C Major Triads:
For more detailed information on how chords work:
Final Thoughts on “What Exactly Is a Chord and What Does the Term Harmony Mean?”
Here’s a summary of What Exactly Is a Chord and What Does the Term Harmony Mean?
- Both terms refer to groups of simultaneously sounding notes.
- Understanding triads is useful for writing and arranging songs.
- Plus, they can be analyzed using Roman numerals.
Related Posts:
- Do You Want Cool Triads for Your Song?
- Tonic vs. Root in Music Theory: Are They the Same Thing?
- D’you Want Some Music Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned Over the Years?
© 2024 Geoffrey Keith
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