The correct semitone pattern for a major chord is a fundamental building block in music theory, defining its characteristic bright and stable sound. This pattern describes the exact distance in semitones (half steps) between the notes that form the chord.
A major chord is always composed of three distinct notes:
- The Root: The foundational note of the chord.
- The Major Third: The note that is four semitones above the root.
- The Perfect Fifth: The note that is seven semitones above the root.
Understanding the Semitone Pattern
When breaking down the major chord into its constituent intervals, the pattern of semitones between successive notes is clear:
- From the Root to the Major Third: There are 4 semitones (or two whole tones). This interval creates the "major" quality of the chord.
- From the Major Third to the Perfect Fifth: There are 3 semitones (or one whole tone and one semitone).
This can be illustrated by considering how a major scale is constructed. In any major scale, the pattern of intervals between the degrees follows a specific sequence of tones (two semitones) and semitones (one semitone). For instance, starting from C, moving up a tone leads to D, another tone to E, and then a semitone to F. Crucially, the semitones within a major scale consistently occur between the 3rd and 4th scale degrees, and between the 7th and 8th (octave) scale degrees.
To form a major chord, we select the 1st, 3rd, and 5th degrees of the corresponding major scale. Let's take the example of a C major chord using the C major scale:
- C (1st degree - Root)
- D (2nd degree - 2 semitones from C)
- E (3rd degree - 2 semitones from D, totaling 4 semitones from C) - This is the Major Third.
- F (4th degree - 1 semitone from E)
- G (5th degree - 2 semitones from F, totaling 7 semitones from C) - This is the Perfect Fifth.
Therefore, the interval from C (Root) to E (Major Third) is 4 semitones. The interval from E (Major Third) to G (Perfect Fifth) is 3 semitones (E to F is 1 semitone, F to G is 2 semitones, summing to 3 semitones).
Semitone Pattern Summary
The following table summarizes the semitone intervals for a major chord, illustrating the distance from the root to each chord tone:
| Chord Tone | Interval from Root | Semitones from Root | Semitones from Previous Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Unison | 0 | - |
| Major Third | Major Third | 4 | 4 |
| Perfect Fifth | Perfect Fifth | 7 | 3 |
Practical Application
Understanding this semitone pattern is essential for:
- Chord Construction: Easily building major chords from any root note on a piano, guitar, or other instruments.
- Ear Training: Recognizing the distinctive sound of major chords.
- Composition: Creating harmonious and tonally stable musical passages.
For example, to form a G major chord, you would start with G (root), count up 4 semitones to B (major third), and then count up another 3 semitones from B to D (perfect fifth).
