Introduction

Harmony is music’s invisible storyteller. It changes the emotional meaning of a melody without changing the melody itself. This lesson introduces the concept and gives quick examples you can play immediately.

Learning Objectives

• Understand what harmony is and why it matters.
• Hear the emotional effect of simple chord choices under a melody.
• Identify major, minor, dominant, and seventh-based colors.

Core Concepts

Harmony: Playing more than one note at the same time — the vertical dimension of music that creates depth and color.

• Major triad: Bright and stable.
• Minor triad: Reflective or somber.
• Dominant 7: Creates tension that seeks resolution.
• Major 7 / Diminished / Half-dim: Nuanced colors for sophistication.

Quick Practice

Play a single melody note (A). Underneath it, try D major, then D minor, then A7. Notice how the same melody note feels different each time.