The Major Chord Formula
The formula for the construction of a major chord is 1 3 5, i.e., a major chord consists of the first, third and fifth notes of the major scale upon which it is based.
Example 1: The C major chord is based upon the notes of the C major scale.
C Major Scale
Example 2: The A major chord consists of the notes A, C#, and E.
A Major Scale
A complete list of major scales can be found in Appendix Two .
Here is a movable shape for the major chord shown here in first position.
F (Root 6)
The note after which the chord is named is called the root note, e.g., F is the root note of the F major chord. This shape is a root 6 shape because the root note is on the 6th string. On all chord boxes in this book the root note is indicated by a white circle.
x - indicates that the string is to be deadened. In this example deadening is achieved by curving the first finger of your left hand to lightly touch the fifth and first strings note F (see photos as shown).
The deadening of the string marked x is necessary in order to make the shape movable to other positions on the fretboard (i.e., other major chords).
E.g., If this same shape is played on the 3rd fret it becomes a G major chord. If played on the 6th fret it becomes a Bb major chord. If these notes (x) are not deadened dissonance will occur.
