Theory

What is the difference between major and minor?

As we already know, (or not know) the difference between major and minor is the interval called “third” in a chord.

1 min read

What is the difference between major and minor?

As we already know, (or not know) the difference between major and minor is the interval called “third” in a chord.

So, if we have, in addition to a root note and a fifth, a major third, the chord is major. If we have a minor third, the chord is minor.

On the guitar, it’s quite easy to transform a major chord into a minor chord.

Example with chords with open/empty strings:

The note in cyan represents the third and is shifted by one fret.

(Dur is Major while Moll is minor)
Guitar diagram – What is the difference between major and minor?

Even with dominant 7th chords, there is a third that can be shifted. This transforms a B7 into a Bm7:

Guitar diagram – What is the difference between major and minor?

To change the third in a barre chord, you can proceed as follows:

Guitar diagram – What is the difference between major and minor?

Normally, when nothing is specified, for example, just ‘D,’ it means ‘D major.’ However, if it says ‘Dm,’ it means ‘D minor.’

Long story short; minor sounds sad, while major sounds happier. Here’s a simple example of major and minor, play:

Doesn’t sound very logical or exciting: || D | C | Bb :||

Audio Example

Now I replaced just one single chord with a minor chord (D major with D minor swapped): || Dm | C | Bb :|| sounds much sadder.

Audio Example

As the next option, you could, for example, complement the chords a bit with different bass notes: || Dm | C/F | Bb/D :||

Audio Example

Or even always keep the same bass note: || Dm/F | C/F | Bb/F :||

Audio Example

You can find a PDF with the above examples played on guitar here:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/46298987

Links in this post 3

The Harmonic minor Key The Melodic minor Key The minor Key

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