Chord Calculator
Find the notes and formula for any chord type in any key
Build Your Chord
The foundation note of the chord
The quality and structure of the chord
Chord Results
Scale Formula
Scale degrees used in this chord
Chord Quality
Bright, happy sounding chord
C Major Scale
Notes highlighted in blue are used in the chord
Chord Examples
C Major Chord
Formula: 1, 3, 5
Notes: C, E, G
Scale degrees: 1st, 3rd, 5th of C major scale
Sound: Bright and happy
A Minor 7th Chord
Formula: 1, ♭3, 5, ♭7
Notes: A, C, E, G
Scale degrees: 1st, flat 3rd, 5th, flat 7th
Sound: Smooth and mellow
Common Chord Types
Chord Building Tips
Start with major and minor triads before exploring extensions
The root note determines the key of the chord
♭ (flat) lowers a note by a semitone
♯ (sharp) raises a note by a semitone
Practice chord progressions to hear relationships
Understanding Chords
What is a Chord?
A chord is a combination of three or more notes played simultaneously. Chords are built using specific intervals from a scale, creating harmony and supporting melody in music.
How Chords are Built
Chords are constructed using formulas that specify which degrees of a major scale to use. For example, a major chord uses the 1st, 3rd, and 5th degrees of the major scale.
Chord Quality
- •Major: Bright, happy sound
- •Minor: Sad, melancholic sound
- •Diminished: Tense, unstable sound
- •Augmented: Dreamy, mysterious sound
Scale Degrees and Accidentals
Numbers in chord formulas represent scale degrees. Accidentals modify these degrees:
- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7: Natural scale degrees
- ♭3: Flat third (minor third)
- ♭5: Flat fifth (diminished fifth)
- ♭7: Flat seventh (minor seventh)
- ♯5: Sharp fifth (augmented fifth)
Extended Chords
Extended chords add notes beyond the basic triad, such as 7ths, 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths. These create richer, more complex harmonies commonly used in jazz and contemporary music.
Tip: Start with basic triads and gradually explore seventh chords and extensions as you become more comfortable with chord theory.
Practical Applications
Songwriting
Use chord progressions to create emotional movement and structure in your songs. Common progressions include I-V-vi-IV.
Playing by Ear
Understanding chord construction helps you identify chords in songs and play them without sheet music.
Music Theory
Chord knowledge is fundamental to understanding harmony, voice leading, and musical analysis.