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  Theory
Chord Construction - 3 Note Chords - Part 2

Formulas for all types of 3 note chords

major = 1 3 5
minor = 1 b3 5
augmented = 1 3 #5
diminished = 1 b3 b5
sus2 = 1 2 5
sus4 = 1 4 5

So a C chord is C(1) E(3) G(5).
major = 1 3 5 (C E G)

Knowing that the formula for minor is 1 b3 5, you will lower the E(3) to an Eb(b3) for a Cm chord.
minor = 1 b3 5 (C Eb G)

Augmented is 1 3 #5, so in a C augmented you will raise the G(5) to a G#(#5).
augmented = 1 3 #5 (C E G#)

A diminished chord is 1 b3 b5, so for a C diminished you will lower the E(3) to an Eb(b3) and the G(5) to a Gb(b5).
diminished = 1 b3 b5 (C Eb Gb)

We will look at sus2 and sus4 chords shortly.

Page 1, How to spell different 3 note chords intro

Page 3, examples for major, minor, augmented and diminished



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