Have you ever heard of the word “upper structure triad”?
The upper structure triad is used in all sorts of popular music but cannot be played on the guitar.
Still, knowing about the upper structure triad will definitely help you write and arrange a song.
① Let’s take C chord comprising C, E, and G for example.
② Add tensions descried in Chapter 8 to this C chord. (Select three from the available tensions)
C ＋ 9th・#11th・13th
9th, #11, and 13th of C are D, F#, and A respectively that form D triad.
Thus, it can be regarded that D triad is on C triad. This is the concept of Upper Structure Triad.
Let’s check the sound of the chord.
This chord, which can be written as “C6(9, #11)”, is generally written in a fraction chord.
I usually write it as D triad/C triad so that it is easier to understand the structure.
This is very difficult to play with one guitar, so play it with another guitar player or play C chord, record it, and then play D triad with it.
Easiest way is to play it on the piano.
It’s always good to check the chords with a keyboard.
Many other upper structure triad chords can be made.
“Chords available on dominant C7”
C Triad（C・E・G）＋
G♭Triad（G♭・B♭・D♭）
Tension: #11,♭7,♭9
C Triad（C・E・G）＋
E♭m Triad（E♭・G♭・B♭）
Tension: #9, #11,♭7
C Triad（C・E・G）＋
F#m Triad（F#・A・C#）
Tension: #11, 13,♭9
C Triad（C・E・G）＋
A Triad（A・C#・E）
Tension: 13,♭9, 10
Sometimes, a structure comprising two 7th chords is used.
Be creative and find and write down your ideas.
