Explanation of 3 and 4 Part Harmony Chord Spellings

Chords are built using formulas derived from the major scale, which serves as a foundational reference. Here's a breakdown of how 3-part (triads) and 4-part (seventh chords) are constructed:
1. 3-Part Harmony (Triads)

Triads are built by stacking thirds (intervals of three notes apart) from the major scale.

Formula: Root (1st) + 3rd + 5th
Types of triads and their formulas:
Major Triad: Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th
Example: C major (C - E - G)
Minor Triad: Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th
Example: C minor (C - E? - G)
Diminished Triad: Root + Minor 3rd + Diminished 5th
Example: C diminished (C - E? - G?)
Augmented Triad: Root + Major 3rd + Augmented 5th
Example: C augmented (C - E - G?)

2. 4-Part Harmony (Seventh Chords)

Seventh chords add a 7th note to the triad, extending the harmony.

Formula: Root + 3rd + 5th + 7th
Types of seventh chords and their formulas:
Major 7th: Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 7th
Example: Cmaj7 (C - E - G - B)
Dominant 7th: Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th
Example: C7 (C - E - G - B?)
Minor 7th: Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th
Example: Cm7 (C - E? - G - B?)
Half-Diminished 7th: Root + Minor 3rd + Diminished 5th + Minor 7th
Example: Cm7?5 (C - E? - G? - B?)
Diminished 7th: Root + Minor 3rd + Diminished 5th + Diminished 7th
Example: Cdim7 (C - E? - G? - A)

By understanding these formulas and applying them to the notes of the major scale, you can spell any chord accurately in 3- or 4-part harmony.

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