Because Quote by Robert Palmer
“The third note in a chord is what depicts whether it's major or minor. Rhythm and Blues hardly ever uses it because it means that the melody is free to move between major and minor because you're not clashing with the third being depicted one way or the other.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Music Theory Talk, Robert Palmer, 1998
The third of a chord determines major or minor; blues often avoids it, allowing melodies to shift freely between modes.
In simple terms: The third defines chord quality; blues skips it for flexibility.
Key Takeaway
Use chord thirds to shape mood.
Themes
music
theory
composition
Mood
creative
technical
Type
educational
musical
When to use this quote
- songwriting
- arranging
- improvisation
Key Concepts
harmonics
modal interchange
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do blues musicians avoid the third?
- What effect does this have on emotional tone?
A Different Perspective
Avoiding the third can limit harmonic richness.
