Major chords vs. Minor chords

Does the use of minor chords in a song give it a more sullen mood or in reverse the use of major chords give a song a more upbeat style, or is there no difference.

I posted 'Misty Shadows of Dawn' using minor chords. (http://www.ampcast.com/gnomes). I re-did it with major chords. (http://artists2.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/ Merlin_and_the_Gnometones/ )

Since these are quick prototype versions, I'd like some opinions on which way to go before I put too much time into it. Maybe it doesn't matter, maybe it does, or maybe the song is not good enough to continue. Comments please.

I haven't listened to both versions yet, but I'd argue that there are definitely mood differences associated with majors and minors. Most 'happy' pop songs have the key lyrics underlined by Major chords. Similarly, minor chords add a touch of sadness, when used appropriately with particular lyrics. The change from major to minor on the word 'special' in Radiohead's 'Creep' is a great example. I presume the same goes for 'Every Time We Say Goodbye', but I don't know the chords. You probably haven't heard of it, but 'Unfinished Sympathy' by Massive Attack is a really sad song, but it is actually composed of major chords only. I believe it is the fact that the chords are sustained for twice as long as most pop songs that gives this effect (and the fact that the string sound has a kind of sad element built in). Strangely enough, however, most house/techno tracks are made up of minor 7ths, and yet they sound pretty uplifting to me. I've also heard it said that Eb Major is the 'happiest' key. Since it was in that key that Beethoven wrote 'Eroica' and Madonna recorded 'Into The Groove', I'm inclined to agree. If memory serves, then Bb minor is apparently the 'saddest' key.

As usual with music, there are many many exceptions to the 'rules'. Now I can't wait to hear the new version of your song.

Thanks for the time for writing this eloquent answer to my question. So if I want it happy I use Eb major and sad I use Bb minor. Or anything else for something in between. I'm still not sure what to use, but I'll try both in a full arrangement and see what works. As usual, your post was very informative.

Thanks.

It all depends. You can find plenty of sad songs with major chords and you can find plenty of happy songs with minor chords.

Most songs mix major and minor chords.

I didnt catch all of the chord progression but try these as well:

D -> A -> D -> A -> Em -> A...

Dm -> Am -> Dm -> Am -> E -> Am ...

For a little more movement (substituting chords with their relatives...)

D -> A -> Bm -> F#m -> Em -> A ...

Dm -> Am -> F -> C -> E (or Em) -> Am

Play around with them and see which one your ear likes better.

Watson (the ninja of nice) Davis

Sort of, but don't take it too literally. Most rock songs are played in E or G, apparently, due to the easy chord fingerings of chords in those keys. Lots of synth tacks are in C/Am since it's easy to play just the white notes on a keyboard. Often I write a song with a few parts and then just transpose everything up a semi-tone, as it makes it sound brighter. Just play whatever sounds good to you and suits your vocal range.

Minor chords can make music sound dark, but they can also make it sound passionate.

- Seth Jackson

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