JLTP 059: The Color of Chords: Recognizing Major, Minor, Diminished & Augmented by Ear

July 11, 2025 jeff lewis

🎧 Episode Summary:
In this episode of “The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast”, I explore the emotional “colors” of chords—major, minor, diminished, and augmented. Learn how to hear each chord by its intervals and emotional quality. A perfect guide for trumpet players building their ear training skills!

đź§  Key Topics:

  • Major chords: bright and happy (C–E–G)

  • Minor chords: introspective and cool (C–Eb–G)

  • Diminished chords: tense and spooky (C–Eb–Gb)

  • Augmented chords: dreamy and mysterious (C–E–G#)

  • Importance of recognizing major and minor 3rds

📌 Previous Episode Reference:
Be sure to revisit the last episode (JLTP 058-) where we covered interval recognition by ear—it’s foundational for today’s content!

You can find Episode 58 here;

JLTP 058: Music Theory Basics Part 1-Intervals

🎺 Practice Challenge:
Build and compare C major, minor, diminished, and augmented chords. Notice the emotional difference.

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