Tip for typing chords

[Maestro87]

When you are typing out chord spellings, a general rule of thumb is to keep the enharmonic spellings consistent.  Try and use all flats or all sharps for a chord spelling. For instance,

[Db, F, Ab] - spells out a Db major triad

but I often see it written as

C#, F, Ab or Db, F, G# which is a terrible spelling of the chord.

Both spellings make the same sound but the enharmonic structure becomes discombobulated. Spelling out chords in this manner makes it extremely hard to track the progression of the chords.  Write all your chords for a particular song in the key signature it is written in. When the key changes, change your spellings to match the new progressions.

Just an observation that needed to be addressed.

[sjonathan02]

When you are typing out chord spellings, a general rule of thumb is to keep the enharmonic spellings consistent.  Try and use all flats or all sharps for a chord spelling. For instance,

[Db, F, Ab] - spells out a Db major triad

but I often see it written as

C#, F, Ab or Db, F, G# which is a terrible spelling of the chord.

Both spellings make the same sound but the enharmonic structure becomes discombobulated. Spelling out chords in this manner makes it extremely hard to track the progression of the chords.  Write all your chords for a particular song in the key signature it is written in. When the key changes, change your spellings to match the new progressions.

Just an observation that needed to be addressed.

You're assuming that folks truly understand the difference.

[Maestro87]

You're assuming that folks truly understand the difference.

I would hope so if they are posting chords for other people. {lol}

[sjonathan02]

I would hope so if they are posting chords for other people. {lol}

One has nothing to do with the other, actually.

[Maestro87]

Quite the contrary in my opinion.  If you think about how the song is supposed to flow from a music theory standpoint, then correct harmonic spellings are imperative to give the song a drive to finish.  It also makes it easier to read.  What makes you say they aren't related?

[sjonathan02]

Quite the contrary in my opinion.  If you think about how the song is supposed to flow from a music theory standpoint, then correct harmonic spellings are imperative to give the song a drive to finish.  It also makes it easier to read.  What makes you say they aren't related?

Because there are  A LOT of folks on here who DON'T understand theory, but they, at least, know the names of the keys. As a result and a consequence, when they chord out songs, they use the names they know.


I'm not disagreeing with the sentiment behind what you're saying; I'm just looking at the reality of it. And, what's been going on @ LGM for years, now. 

[Maestro87]

Because there are  A LOT of folks on here who DON'T understand theory, but they, at least, know the names of the keys. As a result and a consequence, when they chord out songs, they use the names they know.


I'm not disagreeing with the sentiment behind what you're saying; I'm just looking at the reality of it. And, what's been going on @ LGM for years, now. 

Good Point.

[Shadow_]

Well, i understand theory. But when i post which so far is just once i just use flats, a lot of people find it easier. I may be wrong

[Maestro87]

For some reason the human mind normally seems to work better transposing notes down when it comes to keyboard players.  Most string players find it easier to read in sharps because of the construction of their instruments.  If you are consistent then it should still make sense.

[cas10a]

When you are typing out chord spellings, a general rule of thumb is to keep the enharmonic spellings consistent.  Try and use all flats or all sharps for a chord spelling. For instance,

[Db, F, Ab] - spells out a Db major triad

but I often see it written as

C#, F, Ab or Db, F, G# which is a terrible spelling of the chord.

Both spellings make the same sound but the enharmonic structure becomes discombobulated. Spelling out chords in this manner makes it extremely hard to track the progression of the chords.  Write all your chords for a particular song in the key signature it is written in. When the key changes, change your spellings to match the new progressions.

Just an observation that needed to be addressed.

I agree on keeping the enharmonic spellings consistent...just wanted to point out that sometimes there may be accidentals in the key you are posting chords. 

[Maestro87]

That is why it is just a "rule of thumb" and not an unbreakable law.

[cas10a]

That is why it is just a "rule of thumb" and not an unbreakable law.

Agreed