Major and minor differences
Major and minor scales/chords have quite a different atmosphere to them. Music in major is more happy, jolly, while minor plays on sad, melancholy and gloomy. The major scale has seven chords within it with three major chords and four minor chords. The minor scale has the same chords as the major scale. So why the difference?Major and minor building blocks
The major scale starts on a major chord while minor start with a minor chord. Playing the major scale without a backing chord sounds happy while the opposite is true for the minor scale. This all changes when a backing chord is added to the mix. When playing a major scale over a major chord is jolly, happy, etc. A major scale over a minor chord can have a mixed feeling of happy and sad. A good analogy would be color blending, hot for major (red) and cold for minor (blue).
The color palette of chords
Mixing chords together is similar to a painter mixing colors to get a new color. A single chord provokes a feeling within the listener and blending them together in a chord sequence does the same but with an added storyline. A chord sequence tells a basic story and gives the listener a feeling of progress in the story with each chord. A chord progression with more major chord than minor is mostly positive to the listener while a progression with more minor chords is perceived to be more sad or dramatic.
Adding melody to the mix
Adding a melody over chord changes the perception of the atmosphere created with the chords. A melody over chords can be used to enhance the feeling of a chord progression. Playing a happy melody over a minor chord could give a feeling that all is good but still there are some troubles, with a sad melody over a major chord gives the impression of sadness with hope.
Major and minor pop songs
Most pop songs are created only with major and minor chords. This works well in pop music because simplicity is the name of the game. The use of major and minor in a chord progression within the same scale gives the listener a feeling of a simple storyline that resolves with each chord and usually ends on the root chord of the scale. A good example of a chord resolving to its root is the major chord progression of C, F, G and ending on C.
Where to start
C Major scale is no different to A minor scale. They contain the same chords and the same scale notes. The only difference is that they start on different notes. This becomes apparent in the study of modes. Check out the two scale and experiment with them.
C Major scale chords
C Major, D minor, E minor, F major, G Major, A minor and B minor with a lowered fifth.
A minor scale chords
A minor and B minor with a lowered fifth, C Major, D minor, E minor, F major, G Major.