Defining musical terms like “chord” can be tricky, as universal agreement is often lacking. To truly understand the concept, it’s helpful to explore the different ways this term is used.
One common definition states that a chord consists of three or more notes played simultaneously. According to this definition, if you only have two notes, it’s considered an interval, not a chord.
However, the musical world is rarely so simple. Consider the “power chord,” a staple in rock music, which typically uses only two different pitches, often played across multiple octaves.
It seems perfectly acceptable to call this two-note combination a chord because it functions as one in the context of the music. This leads us to a functional definition.
If a collection of notes functions as a chord in terms of voice leading and harmony, then it qualifies as a chord. In this context, even an interval could be considered a chord. However, simply having three notes sound together doesn’t automatically make it a chord. If these notes don’t function harmonically or in terms of voice leading, it is merely a note aggregate or perhaps a cluster.
Essentially, chords can be defined by the number of notes they contain or by their musical function. An interval always involves two pitches (even if they are the same pitch). Under certain definitions, it can be considered a chord. Conversely, having three or more notes doesn’t always guarantee a chord; it might be an aggregate or a cluster (or, confusingly, a “cluster chord!”).
You’ll encounter all these usages in the music world, so awareness of the different interpretations is key to a deeper understanding. Recognizing the nuances of “What Is A Chord” is crucial for any aspiring musician.
