Which notes cannot be left out · Tensions and pedal · Music theory
A chord with tensions has more notes than fingers, or instruments. You keep those that define the chord: the 3rd, which says whether it is major or minor,…
Which notes cannot be left out
A chord with tensions has more notes than fingers, or instruments. You keep those that define the chord: the 3rd, which says whether it is major or minor, and the 7th, which says what type it is. They are usually called guide tones. The first to go is the 5th, unless it is altered; and the root, if the bass plays it.
Guide tones also trace the road: in II – V – I the 7th of each chord falls by step to the 3rd of the next. So with those two notes alone, you can already hear the entire progression.