Chords(?) that only uses thirds and fifths question

[Sage]

First of all, I know about rules about posting too much in a day but I just have this nagging question that I have difficulty finding in google. Thank you in advance for your patience.

Here goes...

What are those chords(?) that are used as a piano replacement (I have no idea on this one again) in guitar that I have seen in a few tabs that uses 2 strings only (e.g G = D [third] and B[fifth]). They only seem to use the thirds and fifths and no root.

[Zatz]

First of all, I know about rules about posting too much in a day but I just have this nagging question that I have difficulty finding in google.

No such rule. Feel free to ask ;)


What are those chords(?) that are used as a piano replacement (I have no idea on this one again) in guitar that I have seen in a few tabs that uses 2 strings only (e.g G = D [third] and B[fifth]). They only seem to use the thirds and fifths and no root.
You must have meant B was the 3rd and D the fifth, haven't you? Actually, playing 3rd & 7th is more common if you're talking about right hand part on piano - left hand will provide bass and fifth for example while right hand is free to play melody that incorporates tensions. Piano players will tell you more about it. In any case, if you have someone playing fundamental note you don't need to double it, so your example is valid and even without the root note the name of this chord will be the same - so there's nothing special about it and it's not some brand new kind.

[Danster]

I agree with Zatz, and I'd add (since he didn't say the name), that a 3rd and a 5th without (or with) a root is just a plain ol' major chord.

[silent-storm]

3rds and 7ths are more common and are usually called 'guide tone lines' since they are the most important parts of the chord.

I find they are most used on guitar when you are also playing a walking bass line because they are quick to grab and tell you everything you need to know about the chord. They also work very well to accompany bass solos or when you're trying to stay out of the way of a piano.

[Sage]

My mistake. 3rd = B 5th = D

Thanks, guys.