Musical Chord
An application for you to study music.
Tools for musicians, exercises on music theory, ear training, and direct-to-the-point theoretical content. Designed for singers, guitarists, keyboard players, bassists, drummers, and general musicians from beginners to advanced levels.
Tension Notes
Tension notes are used to add "color" and enrich a chord. They are notes that are not part of the chord's structural notes, also known as dissonant notes.
If we consider that tetrads are chords made up of 4 notes, there are 3 notes left that can be used as tension notes.
Tension notes should be applied in the second octave of the root to work well.
Tension Notes
Create Expectation and Resolution
Tension notes create a sense of movement within the harmony. They establish an expectation that can be resolved to more stable notes, providing an emotional journey for the listener.
Harmonic Enrichment
Adding tensions to basic chords enriches the harmonic texture of the music. This is particularly useful in genres like jazz and classical music, where harmonic complexity is valued.
Melodic Variety
Tensions can also be used to create interesting melodic lines, adding color and variation to melodies and improvisations.
Tension Notes
Tension 9, b9, #9
Tension notes, specifically the ninth (9), minor ninth (b9), and augmented ninth (#9), are essential for enriching harmony and bringing specific emotions to music. Each of these tensions has a distinct function and can transform a simple chord into a complex and evocative sound.
Tension 9 (Ninth)
The ninth adds a sense of openness and lightness to the chord. It is common in major and minor chords, bringing a more airy and bright sound.
The ninth is often used in dominant chords to add complexity without increasing dissonance to an uncomfortable level.
In subdominant and tonic functions, the ninth can soften the harmony and add an extra layer of melodic interest.
Tension b9 (Minor Ninth)
The minor ninth creates intense dissonance and a tense sound.
The minor ninth is almost exclusively used in dominant chords, especially in progressions that require a strong resolution to the tonic chord.
Rarely used in subdominant and tonic functions due to its strong dissonance.
Tension #9 (Augmented Ninth)
The augmented ninth provides a highly dissonant and expressive sound, ideal for creating a "bluesy" or "jazzy" effect. It is often used in dominant chords to add intense color and a distinctive character.
The augmented ninth is frequently used in dominant chords.
Rarely used in subdominant and tonic functions due to its strong dissonance.
Example Table
| Chord Symbol | Name | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Major Ninth or 9 | C6(9) |
| b9 | Minor Ninth or b9 | B7(b9) |
| #9 | Augmented Ninth or #9 | F7(#9) |
Tension 11, #11
Tensions 11 (eleventh) and #11 (augmented eleventh) are important extensions that enrich harmony and add distinct nuances to chords. Each of these tensions provides a specific color and can evoke different feelings in music, depending on how they are used.
Tension 11 (Eleventh)
The eleventh adds a layer of open and suspended sonority to the chord.
The eleventh is less common in dominant chords due to the dissonance that can occur with the major third.
Often used in subdominant chords to create a sense of suspension and preparation for resolution. It can be used in minor or sus tonic chords to add richness and complexity without strong dissonance.
Tension #11 (Augmented Eleventh)
The augmented eleventh creates a bright and luminous sonority. This tension offers a more modern and sophisticated sound.
The augmented eleventh is less common in dominant chords but can be used in jazz contexts to create a distinct color.
Very effective in subdominant chords, creating a sense of openness. Often used in tonic chords, especially major ones, to add a touch of sophistication and modernity.
Example Table
| Chord Symbol | Name | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Perfect Eleventh or 11 | Em7(11) |
| #11 | Augmented Eleventh or #11 | F7M(#11) |
Tension 13, b13
Tensions 13 (thirteenth) and b13 (minor thirteenth) are extensions that add depth and complexity to chords. Each brings a distinct harmonic color and can evoke different emotions in music. Let's explore what these tensions do to the chord, the feelings they bring, and how to use them in dominant, subdominant, and tonic functions.
Tension 13 (Thirteenth)
The thirteenth adds a sense of richness and completeness to the chord. In dominant and major chords, the 13 provides a full and lush sound, widely used in jazz and popular music.
The thirteenth is frequently used in dominant chords to add complexity and richness.
It can be used to create a sense of smooth movement and preparation in subdominant function chords. In major tonic chords, the 13 can add a layer of sophistication without causing significant dissonance.
Tension b13 (Minor Thirteenth)
The minor thirteenth creates a tense and dark dissonance, often used to add dramatic and intense color to the chord. It is common in altered dominant chords.
The b13 is frequently used in altered dominant chords. Rarely used in subdominant function chords due to its intense dissonance. Rarely used in tonic function chords due to the strong tension it creates.
Example Table
| Chord Symbol | Name | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | Major Thirteenth or 13 | F7(13) |
| b13 | Minor Thirteenth or b13 | C(#5, b13) |
Tension Notes
These tensions do not exist because they would actually be structural notes of the chord.
b11 would be the 3 and #13 would be the b7.
Tension Notes
Some tensions should be avoided for two reasons: Decharacterization of the harmonic function and Undesirable chromatic effect.
Decharacterization of the Harmonic Function
We know that each note of the scale has a melodic function, so using certain tension notes can decharacterize your chord, making its function conflicting. This rule should be checked according to the harmonic function of the chord. Always avoid using tensions that represent the next harmonic function of the chord, that is, when the chord has the tonic function, avoid using a tension with subdominant function, when the chord has the subdominant function, avoid using a tension with dominant function.
Undesirable Chromatic Effect
Another important tip is to avoid using tensions that are a semitone away from the previous structural note. They may be a semitone away from the next structural note, but when they are a semitone away from the previous structural note, they generate a b9 interval, which is an interval that does not sound good to our ears.
Tension Notes
Tension notes are an essential tool for any musician who wants to enrich their harmonic palette. Understanding how and when to use them can transform simple chords into complex and interesting harmonies, elevating the level of your compositions and arrangements. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, exploring chord tensions will open up a world of sonic possibilities, allowing you to create more expressive and dynamic music.