In our August 2005 archive issue of Mandolin Sessions, we discussed how particular chords could have a different flavor or mood, depending on the context. Since we've explored a lot of ways to streamline extended chords into three simple notes, we thought it opportune to dig this issue up. In particular, we mentioned the four notes of a m6 chord where the same as a m7b5 and a rootless 9th chord.

Read article: Chord Commonalties; m6, m7b5, rootless 9th

Am6 = A C E F# * F#m7b5 = F# A C E * D9 (rootless) = (no D) F# A C E

We created a handy reference chart for you to visualize this.

What's interesting is how the same set of notes F# A C E can be used in each of the three different "planets" of the Tonal Universe.

Am6 can be a Tonic chord, with an added voice for color. All chords progress to Am in the key of A minor.

F#m7b5 can be a Dominant Preparation chord. It is the iim7b5 chord in the key of E minor.

D9 (rootless) can be a Dominant chord. It is the V7 chord in the key of G Major (or Minor).

F# A C E. Same notes, different hats.

Sometimes when you throw out a set of notes, you don't always know where you are going. It pays to listen to what's going on around you!

Further:
Chord Commonalties; m6, m7b5, rootless 9th
Tasty Major landing chords
Chord Economy
Fourthness and Purple
Take Three

Posted by Ted at March 28, 2013 12:47 PM