The Chords and Guitar Chord Diagrams feature in the Measures Panel of Reflow enables you to add harmonic context and visual aids for guitarists in your compositions. By specifying chord names and creating guitar chord diagrams, you can provide clear guidance on the harmonic structure and finger placement for various chords. This feature is particularly useful for songs that involve guitar accompaniment or require clear harmonic direction for performers.

Creating Chord Names

• Chord Names: You can create and attach chord names above the staves to indicate the harmonic tone at specific points in your score. This helps performers understand the intended harmony and structure of the composition.
• Components of a Chord Name:
  • Root Note: The fundamental note of the chord from which the chord is built.
  • Formula: The intervals that make up the chord, such as major, minor, diminished, augmented, etc. Common chord formulas include:
    • Major (e.g., C): Root, Major 3rd, Perfect 5th
    • Minor (e.g., Cm): Root, Minor 3rd, Perfect 5th
    • Diminished (e.g., Cdim): Root, Minor 3rd, Diminished 5th
    • Augmented (e.g., Caug): Root, Major 3rd, Augmented 5th
  • Symbol: The notation used to represent the chord (e.g., maj for major, min for minor, dim for diminished).
  • Inversion: Specifies the order of the notes in the chord, which note is in the bass. Common inversions include:
    • Root Position: The root note is the lowest note.
    • 1st Inversion: The third of the chord is the lowest note.
    • 2nd Inversion: The fifth of the chord is the lowest note.

Adding Chord Names in Reflow

• Procedure: To add a chord name, place your cursor on the desired measure, open the Measures Panel, and input the root note, formula, symbol, and inversion. The chord name will then appear above all the staves, providing a clear harmonic reference for performers.

Creating Guitar Chord Diagrams

• Chord Diagrams: Guitar chord diagrams visually represent the fret positions and finger placements needed to play a specific chord on the guitar. These diagrams are essential for guitarists, especially when dealing with complex or unfamiliar chords.
• Specifying Frets: You can create a guitar chord diagram by specifying the frets to be played in the text field of the Inspector. For example, the text "x 1 3 3 2 1" represents a B♭ minor chord, indicating the following:
  • x: Do not play the string (6th string in this case).
  • 1: Place a finger on the 1st fret (5th string).
  • 3: Place a finger on the 3rd fret (4th and 3rd strings).
  • 2: Place a finger on the 2nd fret (2nd string).
  • 1: Place a finger on the 1st fret (1st string).

Practical Applications

• Harmonic Clarity: Adding chord names provides performers with clear information about the harmonic structure, aiding in the interpretation and performance of the piece.
• Guitar Guidance: Guitar chord diagrams offer essential visual aids for guitarists, ensuring accurate finger placement and chord voicing.
• Versatility: The ability to specify chord inversions and formulas allows for a wide range of harmonic possibilities, accommodating different musical styles and preferences.

Theoretical Background

• Chord Construction: Understanding how chords are constructed helps in specifying accurate chord names and diagrams. A chord is built by stacking intervals (thirds) above a root note. The quality of the intervals (major, minor, diminished, augmented) determines the chord type.
• Chord Inversions: Changing the order of the notes in a chord (inversions) can provide different harmonic textures and facilitate smoother voice leading.
• Guitar Fingering: Guitarists often use different fingerings and voicings for the same chord, depending on the musical context and technical considerations. Providing chord diagrams helps standardize these fingerings for consistent performance.