What Are SALTY Chords and How to Use Them

Cooking is one of my favorite analogies for making music.

I even have a book of chord voicings called The Chord Cookbook.

But today I want to talk about salt...

Salt is the world’s most popular seasoning – and for good reason.

You can bring a bland dish to life with just a pinch, or add a sprinkle to something sweet for maximum flavor.

A badass chord voicing or progression can have the same effect on your music.

But just like with cooking, a little bit of salt goes a long way.

Not every chord needs to be spicy. In fact, too many salty chords, and your listener’s ear could become numb to the flavor of your music.

Think of a popular R&B song. Often times the bulk of the chord progression is fairly simple – a bunch of I, IV, V, and vi chords with an occasional ii or iii chord thrown in for extra color.

But then in the bridge, we get a real flavor boost – maybe a non-diatonic chord, a modulation, or full-on key change!

Here’s a handful of bridges to check out:

“Back at One” by Brian McKnight

“Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Carey

“I Remember” by Keyshia Cole

“Simple Things” by Usher

Now, when it comes to your music, feel free to “salt to taste.” But remember, a little can go a long way.

In sum… pace yourself. Keep it simple. And when the time is right, add a generous pinch of salty chords.

If you want to stock your pantry with the most flavorful harmony money can buy, be sure to snag my chord progression loop pack Stanky Loops and my chord voicing pack, Sick Chords, and hear how your music becomes oh, so tasty.

- Jeff