Open Chord Extensions

It is possible to add the other notes form the major scale to our major chords. By adding the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 7th from the major scale, we can create unique sounding variations on our major triads. These are called Extensions because they are notes that are added to the chords we already know to create new sounds.

Below, you will see the formula for a major chord. Note that the root, 3rd and 5th of the major scale are used to make up the major chord. For a review of major and minor chords, take a look at the course on open chords.

Below, you will see the additional notes of the scale that are not used to make major chords, and can be used to create chord extensions. These notes include the 2nd (9th), (11th), 6th (13th) and 7th. It is important to note that extensions can be labeled by their scale degrees (2nd, 4th, 6th) but can also be labeled by the scale degree raised by an octave (9th, 11th, 13th) if the extension appears after the root of the chord. This means that a Cadd9 chord and a Cadd2 chord are the same notes, but the extension is raised by an octave in the Cadd9 chord.