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

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Example Sentences

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 • Jan. 9, 2022

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

From New York Times • Mar. 24, 2020

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 • Jul. 11, 2019

Her friends’ families came from different parts of Mexico, so hip-hop became the common chord that tied them together.

From The Guardian • Sep. 22, 2016

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

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones