Music Basics: Major and minor chords

There are many different chords, but the basic major and minor are probably the most frequently used, and also form the basis of many other chords.

Here are all 24 major and minor chords, each shown in their three inversions.

They are displayed on the treble clef staff, with keyboard diagrams to show how to play them, and in chord notation, as well as coming with audio files so you can hear what they should sound like.

In the keyboard diagrams below, the red dots show the three notes you should use to play the chord in root position. The green dots show first inversion, and the blue dots show second inversion.

C major

Listen

C minor

Listen

C# major (Db major)

Listen

C# minor (Db minor)

Listen

D major

Listen

D minor

Listen

D# major (Eb major)

Listen

D# minor (Eb minor)

Listen

E major

Listen

E minor

Listen

F major

Listen

F minor

Listen

F# major (Gb major)

Listen

F# minor (Gb minor)

Listen

G major

Listen

G minor

Listen

G# major (Ab major)

Listen

G# minor (Ab minor)

Listen

A major

Listen

A minor

Listen

Bb major (A# major)

Listen

Bb minor (A# minor)

Listen

B major

Listen

B minor

Listen

Keyboard Finder: Find the perfect digital piano or synth

Piano and Synth Magazine is proud to introduce the first version of the Keyboard Finder.

If you’re looking for a new digital piano, synthesiser or home music keyboard, the Keyboard Finder is the tool for you.

Pick from a few simple options, such as the number and style of keys, whether it has a decent piano sound, number of sounds and accompaniments, educational features, and that all important price, and the Keyboard Finder will list the instruments that match your search.

Instead of being overwhelmed by a wealth of detailed specifications, we’ve narrowed it down to the most important ones.

Rather than visiting every manufacturer web site or online store, with varying layouts and ways of describing things, we’ve standardised everything in one place.

The database will be continually updated as new models come onto the market.

Check it out now. Keyboard Finder

Roland intros GAIA SH-01 sweet little virtual analog synth

I love little instruments like this. OK, so I can’t use it to play much Chopin on, but the GAIA SH-01 is a great portable compositional and sound-generation tool, equally at home in the studio.

This three octave beauty offers a huge range of virtual analog synth sounds and a range of easy-to-use sound synthesis controls.

Features include:

• Huge sound with three virtual analog engines onboard, each with a dedicated oscillator, filter, amplifier, envelope, and LFO
• Layer up to five simultaneous effects, including distortion, flanger, delay, reverb, low boost, and more
• 64-voice polyphony for massive sounds without note drop-out
• Fun, hands-on control panel that’s great for instant gratification, and for learning synthesis
• Lightweight, compact body with 37 full-size keys
• Runs on AC or battery power for portable convenience
• D Beam, arpeggiator, and Phrase Recorder onboard
• USB ports for saving user patches to USB flash drives, and for audio/MIDI connection to computers

Triple-Fat Virtual Analog

Sink your teeth into the new triple-stacked virtual analog engine, comprising three complete synths for incredibly thick, powerful sound. Unleash the beef of three oscillators that drive a trio of multimode, resonant filters, multi-shape LFOs, and amplifiers, plus nine envelope generators. It’s like having three synthesisers in one! With 64 polyphonic voices onboard, the GAIA SH-01 makes it possible to play massive sounds without experiencing note drop-out.

Stackable Effects

From the silkiest reverb to the grittiest growl, the SH-01’s instantly selectable multi-effects will catapult your sounds into another spatial dimension. You can layer up to five simultaneous effects for dozens of variations. The onboard effects include reverb, distortion, fuzz, bit crash, flanger, phaser, pitch shifter, low boost, and delay with panning and tempo sync. Dedicated control knobs are provided for tweaking the effects in real time.

Portable Power

At less than 10 pounds (approx. 4kg / 9lbs), the GAIA SH-01 is lightweight, compact, and great for musicians on the go. The 37-note keyboard is full-size, however, so performers can play naturally and comfortably. The synth can be powered via AC or batteries* for the ultimate in portable convenience. A battery-life indicator on the front panel ensures that you won’t lose power unexpectedly. When used in conjunction with a battery-powered amp such as Roland’s CUBE Street, MOBILE CUBE, BA-330 or KC-110, the GAIA SH-01 can be played and heard anywhere!

*Can be powered by eight rechargeable Ni-MH AA batteries.

Instant Control

The front panel puts every control directly under your fingertips. There are no hidden menus, no nonsense. Just play and move the knobs and sliders, or wave your hands over the invisible D Beam for dramatic effects. The logically designed front panel shows the signal path from left to right. It helps beginners understand synthesis, while experienced players will love the instant gratification of hands-on control during performance.

Phrase Recorder and Arpeggiator

Hold a note or chord and let the arpeggiator create musical magic automatically for you. The tempo can be set via tap tempo. In addition, the onboard Phrase Recorder lets you record what you play on the keyboard as well as the movements of the knobs and sliders. The controller data can also be played back independently to complement the notes you play in real time.

USB and EXT IN

Connect directly to a computer (Mac or PC) with one simple USB cable, and stream audio directly to the software of your choice. The SH-01’s USB ports can also be used to transmit and receive MIDI data, and to store your patches and phrases (recorded with the Phrase Recorder) to a USB memory stick. For integrating with external devices, the SH-01’s EXT input lets you connect external audio sources such as an MP3-player and play along with your favourite songs or backing tracks – great for practice and live performance. Manipulate the incoming audio with three Centre Cancel modes, which let you eliminate pre-recorded vocals, guitars, or bass.

Full Specifications

GAIA SH-01 Product Page

Roland introduces two new digital pianos: DP990F/DP990RF

Building on the DP990R digital piano launched this time last year, Roland has introduced two new digital pianos — the DP990F and DP990RF.

At-a-glance features include Roland’s SuperNATURAL piano engine for enhanced audio authenticity and sophistication, 337 onboard tones, the PHA II piano feel with escapement, twin-piano keyboard splitting feature, and cabinet with closable lid available in several finishes.

The DP990F features the standard PHA II keyboard while the DP990RF has “Ivory Feel”.

Cabinet finishes include medium cherry, satin black, and reflective polished ebony.

SuperNATURAL

Three key elements are dramatically improved: velocity response, note decay, and key-range behaviour. Where previous sample-based technology created coarse “stair-step” gaps in velocity and key range, and unnatural looping in note decay, SuperNATURAL bridges the gaps with perfectly smooth and natural three-dimensional sound and response.

PHA II

The DP990F is equipped with Roland’s acclaimed PHA II keyboard with Escapement. The DP990RF model features a PHA II keyboard with Escapement plus Ivory-Feel keys. The keyboard yields a heavier touch in the lower range and lighter touch in the upper, providing lighter resistance for pianissimo passages and stronger resistance for fortissimo. The escapement architecture of the DP keys reproduces the characteristic “click feel” of a grand piano for the ultimate in realistic performance and expression. The DP990RF’s Ivory-Feel key material provides a moisture-absorbent, secure touch.

Additional Features

Other features include USB compatibility, a range of play-along songs, and dual headphone outputs which can be assigned separately to the two keyboard zones if desired.

Full specifications below:

DP990F

DP990RF

• DP990F Product Page
• DP990RF Product Page

Quick Tip: Use headphones to enhance your playing

A few months I recommended trying a new voice on your keyboard to reinvigorate your playing.

My next tip is to invest in the best pair of studio-grade headphones you can afford.

Not just for private practice

It’s common to think that headphones are only really of use if you are wanting to play without disturbing your neighbours, or if you are doing some sound recording and need an accurate way of monitoring the audio.

However, I’d like to suggest that headphones are a worthy addition to your equipment list just because they give you a different perception of your sound.

Firstly, it’s worth investing in some decent headphones. They don’t have to be top-of-the-range, but you will be disappointed if you try to get away with iPod earbuds or many of the lesser ‘in ear’ solutions supplied with MP3 players.

Buy proper headphones from the likes of Sennheiser and you won’t be disappointed.

Why use headphones?

Though digital pianos often have reasonably good internal speakers, pop on a pair of good headphones and the amazing sounds of your instrument will envelop you.

You’ll almost certainly hear tones and nuances that you just don’t get from the internal speakers.

Just as playing with new sounds or trying out new techniques can liven up and enhance your playing, hearing your piano in a new way can do exactly the same.

Though you may not specifically be trying to keep the noise level down, playing with headphones on may well increase your confidence to try new things, safe in the knowledge that only you can hear what you’re playing.

Whether you play from music, improvise or compose from scratch, you’ll become lost in your music far quicker without other distractions around you. If you really want isolation, buy ‘closed’ or noise cancelling headphones that aid in shutting out external noise.

Precautions

Naturally, you need to be careful when using headphones that you don’t use them at high volumes for extended periods of time.

Pick out a good pair of headphones and you’ll get a quality sound without distortion that you can enjoy at safe listening levels.

It’s worth bearing in mind that if you do need to play quietly so as not to disturb others, bear in mind the sound of your fingers on the keys. I’m not joking – on weighted keyboards this can be quite loud!

Recommendation

For what it’s worth, I use the mid-range Sennheiser HD215 Closed Back Headphones which deliver a good all round sound, keep external distractions to a minimum, are very comfortable to wear, and come with a long, detachable cord and carry bag. You can get them for around £50 ($80).