Lesson 12

The cycle of thirds, 2nd family

First, check out lesson #8 (cycle of thirds first family)

We have seen that by combining successive major thirds and minor thirds, we were able to create a series of chords (Xm7 and XMaj7 chords) in a logical order.

The same applies for the second family with an important differences.

Instead of the + - + - + - + - + - ........sequence (major third, minor third, major third....)

we have a + + - - + + - - + + - - .......sequence (major third, major third, minor third, minor third.....)

Major third = 2 tones

Minor third = 1 1/2 tones

The first family creates two possibilities ( + - + , or, - + - )

The second family creates four possibilities + + - , + - - , - - + , - + +

Chords starting with + are major chords, chords starting with - are minor chords.

Four different combinations, four types of chords:

+ + - = XMaj7#5

+ - - = X7

- - + = Xm7b5

- + + = XmMaj7

These 4 combinations will create 48 different chords (12 half tones X 4 combinations = 48 chords) and be represented in two separate circles. Refer to THE ART OF CHORDS for chord graphics and positions. Try different combinations (adjacent chords or not adjacent)

You can save these two graphics on your computer for offline reference (GIF)

Like always, try different combinations, be creative, have fun

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