Many songs in western popular music are written using the primary chords. In this video, Adam is joined by Stephanie Gilroy to show you how you can start using chords to create a short harmonic phrase.
The first (I), fourth (IV) and fifth (V) chords are the three most used chords in each major key. For example, in the key of C major (C, D, E, F, G, A, B), the first note is C, the fourth F, and the fifth G. Therefore the first (I), fourth (IV), and fifth (V) chords are a C major triad, an F major triad, and a G major triad.
This is the same for every key - in D Major (D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#) the chords would be a D major triad, a G major triad and an A major triad.
Once you have watched the video, why not try playing around with the primary chords for yourself?
If you have a piano or guitar, try playing each primary chord in C major: I (C major - which contains the notes C, E and G), IV (F major - which contains the notes F, A and C) and V (G major - which contains the notes G, B and D).
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