common chord

British  

noun

1. music a chord consisting of the keynote, a major or minor third, and a perfect fifth

   the notes G, B, and D form the common chord of G major

---

Example Sentences

Lang beguiled with common chords that no longer sounded common, with standard rhythms that intertwined, went on and off the beat, creating arrhythmia delight.

From Los Angeles Times

If that doesn't seem to work for your piece, try a transposition that makes the most common chord an easy chord.

From Literature

By telephone across Indianapolis, Wilson thinks a dynasty “makes you really appreciate what you have,” a common chord among Alabama fans, but brings no decline in midgame tension.

From Washington Post

When does a common chord progression become one songwriter’s property?

From New York Times

The 2007 Broadway premiere of “The Year of Magical Thinking” starred Vanessa Redgrave, and it, too, has struck a common chord in productions around the U.S. and Europe.

From Seattle Times