Intro to Chords

Introduction to Chords

Most music we hear is a combination of a melody and accompaniment. The melody is most often sung, and the accompaniment is usually several instruments playing a set of pitches that support the melodic line. These supporting pitches are called harmony, and if there are three or more pitches happening at once, they are called chords (pronounced like "cords"). In the score above, the top of the grand staff holds the melody, which is currently the tune to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," and the bottom staff holds accompanying chords. Hit the play button to hear the melody and accompaniment together.