Chord Calculator
Calculate the notes in a chord based on the root note and chord type. Understand chord construction and intervals.
C Major Chord
C - E - G
Notes: CEG
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the root note of the chord (the note the chord is built from).
- Select the chord type (Major, Minor, 7th, etc.).
- The calculator displays all the notes in the chord and shows the chord structure.
- Use this to understand chord construction, find chord voicings, or learn music theory.
Chord Construction Formula
Chords are built by stacking intervals from a root note. Common intervals:
Minor: Root + 3 semitones + 4 semitones = Root, Minor 3rd, Perfect 5th
Diminished: Root + 3 semitones + 3 semitones = Root, Minor 3rd, Diminished 5th
Augmented: Root + 4 semitones + 4 semitones = Root, Major 3rd, Augmented 5th
Example: C Major chord uses C (root), E (major 3rd, 4 semitones up), and G (perfect 5th, 7 semitones up).
Full Description
Chords are the foundation of harmony in music, created by playing multiple notes simultaneously. Understanding how chords are constructed helps musicians compose, arrange, and analyze music. Chords are built by stacking intervals (distances between notes) from a root note, following specific patterns that create different harmonic qualities.
The most basic chords are triads (three-note chords): major, minor, diminished, and augmented. More complex chords add additional intervals, such as 7th chords (adding a 7th interval) or suspended chords (replacing the 3rd with a 2nd or 4th). Each chord type has a distinct sound and emotional quality.
This calculator helps you understand chord construction by showing which notes make up any chord. Select a root note and chord type, and it displays all the notes in that chord. Use it to learn music theory, find chord voicings for your instrument, or analyze the harmony in songs. Understanding chord construction is essential for any musician.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are chords constructed?
Chords are built by stacking intervals (distances between notes) from a root note. Major chords use a major third (4 semitones) and perfect fifth (7 semitones). Minor chords use a minor third (3 semitones) and perfect fifth (7 semitones).
What are the intervals in common chord types?
Major: Root, Major 3rd, Perfect 5th. Minor: Root, Minor 3rd, Perfect 5th. Diminished: Root, Minor 3rd, Diminished 5th. Augmented: Root, Major 3rd, Augmented 5th. 7th chords add a 7th interval on top of the triad.
What's the difference between major and minor chords?
Major chords sound bright and happy, using a major third (4 semitones from root). Minor chords sound dark and sad, using a minor third (3 semitones from root). The difference is just one semitone in the middle note.
How do I use chord inversions?
Inversions rearrange the order of notes in a chord, putting a different note in the bass. Root position has the root in the bass, 1st inversion has the 3rd in the bass, 2nd inversion has the 5th in the bass. Inversions create smoother voice leading in chord progressions.