The Difference Between MAJOR and MINOR Chords

Recently, someone asked me about the difference between major vs minor chords. This is something that is super important to understand, AND (thankfully) not too hard to learn! In this video, I’ll explain the basics of major and minor chords, plus how they are used in some popular song examples.

🕒 TIMESTAMPS🕒
0:00 Introduction
0:41 What is a chord?
1:46 How many chords do you need to know?
2:03 Major chords vs minor chords, with an example
4:21 Keys and relative minor chords
5:16 Why even happy songs may have minor chords
7:57 What about major chords in moody songs?
9:11 Reviewing major vs. minor chords
9:27 Wrapping up (and how to get free resources)

[PianoInDays]

What did you think of my super-creepy minor-chord version of Sweet Caroline?

[KateNoble]

I love every single video you put up Jacques. I'm still feeling lost because I haven't been able to even really get started since joining your program in January - but I'm still excited and one day I'm going to be diving right in. Thanks for keeping all the great information coming.

[joannesweet]

I found this video helpful with the explanation of the difference between major and minor chords. The minor chords definitely change the feeling in a song.

[SJL]

Great video as always! Thank you, Jacques.

[sandrafowkes]

Yes, definitely changes the emotional aspect of a song. Reminded me of the way Bill Bailey changes music - very clever

[stevebowersox]

Nice theory lesson, and suddenly, after 60+ years as a mostly self-taught musician, I can go right to any relative minor without hesitating. Never thought about it before. Ridiculously cool.

[robsonwroc]

Pretty informative, as usual ;-) Cheers, Jacques!

[michaelskopit]

I think it would be fun to learn both the major and minor versions of Sweet Caroline. Maybe you could make a 5-step video lesson for us subscribers. Both versions sound really good.

[richardashworth]

Brilliant Video, it has stirred me again to practice, it is a useful guide as how best to learn th basic Major and minor chords, particularily in my case as a basic beginner. Any chance of a link to the scrolling down note notation of the chords.That would be an extremely useful tool. Thanks Richard A UK24th May 2021

[doritahains]

Great examples. Who invented the piano and why are there so many things to learn. She must have been a genius. Hope to be a lot better soon. Thank you for your videos. They help a lot.

[angiemarcy-wallace]

Jacques when you play C Major and then C Minor I agree, C Major sounds a lot nicer and less "awkward" However, when you you played Sweet Caroline with Major Chords then played it again with Minor chords, I'd have to say I REALLY LIKED the sound of the song with minor chords. side note, I'm still trying to figure out how to improve with more melody. I keep improving using full inversion chords and not single notes. I hope doing PI21D on the new platform will get me to branch out on that easier.

[geraldinebarbee]

Jacques, I purchased the piano in 21 days course over a year ago (loved it!). However, I didn't keep up with the practice and I would like to access the course again to refresh my memory. Do I need to purchase the course a second time, or do I still have access to the original purchase?

[harroman]

Loads of very useful information but the flicking in and out of the camera is completely unnecessary and very distracting.

[KawaiiGambler]

Sweet Caroline with minor chords sounds like a bride named Caroline died and is haunting her cheating husband to be honest not gonna cap 🧢