About Musical Chords
A chord is a combination of three or more notes played simultaneously. This calculator helps you build chords by selecting a root note and chord type, showing the notes, intervals, and basic fingerings for guitar and piano.
Chord Theory Tips
- Root Note: The foundation note that gives the chord its name
- Intervals: The distance between notes measured in semitones
- Inversions: Different arrangements of the same chord notes
- Extensions: Additional notes beyond the basic triad
- Voice Leading: Smooth transitions between chord progressions
- Practice: Learn chord shapes and practice transitions
Common Chord Formulas
| Chord Type | Formula | Intervals | Example (C) | Sound Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major | 1-3-5 | Root, Major 3rd, Perfect 5th | C-E-G | Bright, happy |
| Minor | 1-♭3-5 | Root, Minor 3rd, Perfect 5th | C-E♭-G | Sad, melancholic |
| Diminished | 1-♭3-♭5 | Root, Minor 3rd, Diminished 5th | C-E♭-G♭ | Tense, unstable |
| Augmented | 1-3-#5 | Root, Major 3rd, Augmented 5th | C-E-G# | Bright, tense |
| Major 7th | 1-3-5-7 | Root, Major 3rd, Perfect 5th, Major 7th | C-E-G-B | Jazzy, sophisticated |
| Minor 7th | 1-♭3-5-♭7 | Root, Minor 3rd, Perfect 5th, Minor 7th | C-E♭-G-B♭ | Mellow, jazzy |
| Dominant 7th | 1-3-5-♭7 | Root, Major 3rd, Perfect 5th, Minor 7th | C-E-G-B♭ | Bluesy, resolving |
| Power Chord | 1-5 | Root, Perfect 5th | C-G | Strong, neutral |