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ChristopherSchlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Joined: 08/09/05
Posts: 8,475
ChristopherSchlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Joined: 08/09/05
Posts: 8,475
01/29/2009 4:49 pm
Originally Posted by: rono1Just wondering if the chords included in each chord family have any logic or pattern to them. In other words, why do the chords of A, E and D make up the A family; why D, Em, A and G make up the D family; and so on. Just trying to see if I can remember what makes up a chord family through some logical understanding rather than pure, brute memory! Thanks.

Look at the lessons on intervals, scales, chords and (most importantly) the relationship between scales and chords in Guitar Fundamentals 2:
http://www.guitartricks.com/course.php?input=2

After that look at my concise overview of music theory:
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=495

And improvisation:
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=483
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=491

In a nutshell, certain chords belong together (in "families" or "key groups") because they all contain notes that are from one scale (otherwise known as a "key"). :)
Christopher Schlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor

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