Why are Primary Chords called Primary Chords, and how to use them

Did you know that knowing just the Primary Chords can literally help you to harmonize hundreds of songs? While there are several types of chords, which will make you believe that this entire song learning process is a complex thing, the fact is that you can play several songs by knowing just a few chords (three to be precise). Let’s understand more about primary chords.

If you are already learning to play the piano (or the guitar), or intend to learn, I’m sure you must have already heard about chords and how important they are in your guitar/piano playing. Yes, it is true, that you need to use chords to harmonize any melody. Without it, the music is just going to sound very dull.

Read: What are chords in music

Bu then there are hundreds of chords out there, and how much should one learn or at least which are the important ones that one can start with?

Learn the primary chords
If you are not aware yet, then you should know that there are 12 different keys in music. And the primary chords are those that are built on 1st note, 4th note, and the 5th note of that key/scale.

The primary chords are denoted as Chord I, Chord IV and chord V.

The first thing that you should do is learn to play the 3 primary chords in as many scales as possible, and then apply them to a few simple songs at first.

Here is an example that uses the 3 primary chords (When the saints go marching in).

Examples of Primary Chords
So assuming if you consider the C scale, the primary chords will be the C, F & the G chords. These are based on the first, fourth and the fifth notes of the C scale.

Start using them right away
Such is the importance of primary chords that you can use just these three chords to literally play hundreds of songs.

Though eventually you’ll need to learn these in all the keys, to begin with, you can learn to play the primary chords in a few keys.

So work out the triads and also learn the inversions of the chords on your own or with the help of your music teacher.

Read: Best learning piano software reviewed.

C, F, G (I, IV, V) Basic Piano Chords

Leave aside the fact that there are so many variations of chords to be learnt, you only need to know a few to start with.

Did you know that you could play hundreds of songs using only 3-4 chords?

So don’t fret! Just learn these three chords; they are also known as the primary chords (so they are important anyways).

Why I, IV & V? Because C, F & G are the first, fourth and the fifth note of a scale!

How to Play C, F, G Basic Piano Chords?
Here are the notes of these chords (I hope you remember how the notes are named):

• C Major Chord – C + E + G
• F Major Chord – F + A + C
• G Major Chord – G + B + D

Click Here for Another Easy Piano Lesson

Here’s a nice video showing how to play the C F G (aka I IV V) basic piano chords. These chords can be used to play most of your favorite piano songs so check it out.

There are several songs that use these simple chords, so knowing these three basic rhythm chords can be used to play several songs on the piano.

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KeytarHQ Editorial Team

KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.