Originally Posted by: Hjorvard I understand that a root note, third, and fifth makes a major chord, and that shifting the third half a step makes it minor.

Flatting the 3rd a half a step gives you a minor chord.

Ex. Notes for the A major chord are A, C#, and E, make the C# a C and you have your A minor chord.

In the major scales you can flat different notes, and play a Natural minor scale, a harmonic minor scale, and a melodic minor scale. You always flat the 3rd, but you can also flat the 6th, or the 7th note in the major scale. to make these different scales.

I know that's a little off the subject, but I thought it might interest you.