EXTENDED CHORD Meaning and
Definition
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An extended chord refers to a musical chord that includes additional notes beyond the basic triad. These additional notes are typically the 7th, 9th, 11th, or 13th and are added to further enrich the harmony and color of the chord.
The most commonly used extended chord is the dominant 7th, which adds the flattened 7th note to the basic triad. This chord creates tension and a sense of resolution, commonly found in jazz and blues styles. The major 7th chord adds a major 7th note to the triad, resulting in a more serene and sophisticated sound. Minor 7th chords, on the other hand, include a minor 7th note, producing a mellow and melancholic quality.
Beyond these basic extended chords, musicians may also incorporate additional notes such as the 9th, 11th, and 13th to further extend the harmonic palette. These added tones can create complex and intricate sounds, often found in more advanced jazz compositions.
When building an extended chord, it is important to consider the relationship between the added notes and the root note, as well as how they interact with other chords in a progression. This allows for the creation of tension and release, providing a rich and diverse harmonic landscape in music.
Etymology of EXTENDED CHORD
The word "extended chord" in music theory refers to a chord that includes tones beyond the basic triad (which consists of three notes). The etymology of the word "extended" in this context simply comes from the idea that the chord has been extended by adding more notes to it.
The term "extended chord" emerged in the early 20th century as composers and musicians started exploring more complex harmonic structures. They began adding additional notes beyond the triad to create new and unique chord sounds. These additional notes were often referred to as "extensions" because they extended the range and complexity of the chord.
Over time, extended chords became more prevalent in various styles of music, particularly in jazz and contemporary classical compositions. They allowed for more color and dissonance in chord progressions, expanding the harmonic vocabulary of musicians.
