Naming Chords on `Ukulele…

Naming chords is a problem on any instrument, without knowing a few things about how chords — especially their Harmonic Function. The how is it being used with the other chords?

One essential step in determining the name of the chord is to figure out the root or letter name of the chord, which can only be determined by:

• Knowing the harmonic function of the chord or
• Simply ask the bass player. A bass player has extreme power in determining the name of a chord and its harmonic function. They can use this power for good or evil ;-).

Why Name Chords?

Chard names, the Chord Symbols are used by musicians for a number of purposes. Chord-playing instrumentalists in the rhythm section, such as pianists and guitarists, use these symbols to guide their improvised performance of chord voicings and fills. A rock or pop guitarist or keyboardist might literally play the chords as indicated (e.g., the C major chord would be played by playing the notes C, E and G at the same time). In jazz, particularly for music from the 1940s bebop era or later, players typically have latitude to add in the sixth, seventh, and/or ninth of the chord. Jazz chord voicings often omit the root (leaving it to the bass player) and fifth. As such, a jazz guitarist might voice the C major chord with the notes E, A and D—which are the third, sixth, and ninth of the chord. The bassist (electric bass or double bass) uses the chord symbols to help improvise a bass line that outlines the chords, often by emphasizing the root and other key scale tones (third, fifth, and in a jazz context, the seventh). (wikiwand)

What Is It About A Chord?

• A Chord can have alternate names based on how it is being used — its Harmonic Function. A chord’s function is an important determining factor in naming a chord.
• A Chord can ONLY have one name at a time. It is what it is, not what it could be.
• A Chord should NOT be named by its fingerboard shape alone — beyond a basic open position chord you're just guessing.
• A Chord can NOT be named by its lowest note — might not be the root.
• A Chord might NOT even have a root — chords have a perceived root.

Am7 or C6?

A good example of this is to play all the open strings of a C tuned ukulele and ask most players the name, and you will either get Am7 or C6 . If the real bass note or perceived bass note is C, it might be C6 , if the note is an A it might be Am7. If the harmonic function is a I chord in the Key of C , it is C6 . If it is the I chord in Am it's Am7 if it is the VI chord in the Key of C is Am7 , if it is the II chord in Key of F its Am7 … you get the idea. One really needs to know its harmonic function, before it can be named.

A Tougher Example

What is the Name(s) of the Above Chord? Unless you know the harmonic function of a given chord, you'll just be guessing to be able to accurately name it.

A Chord can only be named in the context of how it is being used and after determining how it's functioning within that context.

The above are a just a few of the most commonly alternate chord names for the same shape. It's missing it's third and has an added second or ninth.

Turns out that a m6 chord is a common mis-named chord and is really a 9th chord, as in F9 vs. Cm6 above.

sus2

A sus2 chord is a very modern construct. In most cases where it is being used it really is a 5^add2 or 5^add9 chord. It can also be thought of as a chord build using Quintal Harmony . However it most like is being used used in Tertian Harmony so it is the 5^add2 or 5^add9 .

Additional Information and

• (wikiwand) : Chord Names And Symbols In Jazz And Pop Music