Chords

What Is a Chord?

A chord is a collection of three or more distinct notes sounded together. The minimum requirement is three notes, which creates a triad. Chords are the harmonic building blocks of every song.

The most important thing about a chord is its function — determined by the intervals between the notes. A major third + a perfect fifth = major sound. A minor third + a perfect fifth = minor sound. Change those intervals and the entire emotional character shifts.

All Chord Types

Here are all the chord categories and their individual types. Click any chord to learn its construction, sound, and how to use it.

Triads — 3-Note Chords

The foundation of all harmony. Every song uses triads. Three notes stacked in thirds.

6th Chords — Triads + the 6th

Add the 6th degree of the scale to a triad for a brighter, jazzier sound.

7th Chords — Triads + the 7th

Add the 7th degree of the scale to a triad. The most sophisticated and expressive chord type, used in jazz, blues, and contemporary music.

How Chords Work in Music

Chord Function

Every chord has a role. The I chord (built on the first scale degree) is home — the most stable. The V chord (built on the fifth degree) creates tension that pulls back to home. The IV chord opens space and brightness. These functional relationships explain why certain chord progressions feel right.

Chord Progressions

Most songs use the same handful of progressions because they work — they feel natural to the ear:

• I-IV-V-I: The universal progression (C-F-G-C in C major). Blues, rock, folk — they all use this.
• I-V-vi-IV: The "pop progression." Appears in thousands of modern songs.
• ii-V-I: The jazz standard cadence. Timeless resolution.
• I-vi-IV-V: 1950s doo-wop that still works today.

Inversions

A C major chord (C-E-G) played as E-G-C or G-C-E is still a C major chord — just in a different inversion. The root position has the root on bottom. First inversion has the third on bottom. Second inversion has the fifth on bottom. Inversions don't change the chord identity, just its voicing and smoothness.