Various types of chords form the building blocks of music and create the foundation for songs. Once you understand a chord, it opens up endless musical possibilities.
Our guide breaks down chord types in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. Even if you’re starting to learn music theory, learning different kinds of chords doesn’t have to be complicated.
Read on to learn how each chord type works and how to use it in your own music.
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What Is A Chord?
A chord is a group of notes played together to create a specific sound or feeling. The most basic chords contain at least three notes played simultaneously.
Different combinations of notes create unique chords with distinct emotional qualities. Some chords sound happy and bright, while others feel sad or tense.
Simpler forms, such as power chords, may use just two notes. When these notes blend, they create a harmony that becomes the foundation for melodies.
If you want to learn how to make music sound better, use chord progression to convey feelings that words alone cannot express.
How Are Chords Constructed?
Chords are constructed by building upon a single note (the root note) and adding other notes at specific intervals.
The most common way to build chords is by stacking thirds. This process involves taking your root note, adding the note that’s a third above it, and then adding a note that’s a third above it.
This pattern of stacking thirds creates triads, which are the simplest complete chords. For example, to build a C major triad, start with C as your root note, add E (a third above C), and then add your third note, G (a third above E).
Why Learning Different Chord Types Matters
Learning different chord types expands your musical vocabulary significantly. Understanding how to play basic chords helps you to write songs with depth and emotional range and become a better improviser. Knowing how chords function and relate to one another means you can make more intentional choices about your music.
Understanding chords also helps when learning to play by ear, as you’ll recognize chords in popular songs. They help simplify playing a song, so you learn the chord progressions rather than playing all the notes.
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10 Types Of Chords You Need To Know
Here we examine the 10 types of chords every musician should know. From basic major and minor chords to the more complex chords.
10. Major Chords
The major and minor scales are the foundations of song structure. Major chords consist of three notes: the root, a major third (4 half steps up), and a perfect fifth (7 half steps above the root). Together, these three notes create a major triad.
For example, the C major chord contains the notes C, E, and G. Playing these notes together produces a happy and cheerful sound perfect for upbeat songs.
Major chords usually sound complete or resolved and are typically found at the end of songs, providing a sense of closure.
9. Minor Chords
Minor chords are often described as sounding sad, pensive, or mysterious. They consist of three notes: the root note, a minor third, and a perfect fifth.
This combination creates a minor triad. For instance, a C minor chord consists of the notes C, E♭, and G.
Notice that the only difference between a C major scale chord and the C minor scale chord is that the middle note (the third) is lowered by one-half step. Minor chords are essential for expressing complex emotions, creating tension, depth, and melancholy.
8. Diminished Chords
Once you understand major and minor chords, you can move on to diminished chords. Diminished chords create tension and dissonance, making them perfect for building suspense.
A diminished triad consists of the root note, a minor third, and a diminished fifth.
For example, a C diminished chord contains the notes C (root), E♭ (minor third), and G♭ (diminished fifth). This combination creates an ‘unstable’ sound that requires resolution.
What makes diminished chords unique is that the third and fifth are lowered compared to a major chord. This adjustment creates a characteristic, tense, unsettled quality that composers use to build anticipation or express anxiety.
7. Augmented Chords
Augmented chords create a mysterious and dreamlike sound and consist of the root note, a major third, and an augmented fifth.
This combination creates a chord that sounds like it’s reaching upward or stretching. For instance, a C augmented chord contains the notes C, E, and G#.
The raised fifth gives augmented chords their characteristic sound. They’re less commonly used than major or minor chords and are perfect for creating moments of wonder, tension, or transition in music.
You’ll hear augmented chords in jazz music, psychedelic rock, and film scores, especially during mysterious or fantastical scenes.
6. Dominant 7th Chords
Dominant 7th chords are dynamic, tension-building chords that create a sense of momentum and drive. A dominant seventh chord consists of four notes: the root note, a major third, a perfect fifth, and a minor seventh (10 half steps above the root).
This combination creates a chord that practically begs to be resolved to another chord. For example, a C dominant seventh chord (written as C7) contains the notes C, E, G, and B♭.
Adding the minor seventh note creates that distinctive bluesy, unresolved quality.
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5. Major 7th Chords
Major 7th chords have a sophisticated sound that adds richness and complexity to music. A major seventh chord consists of four notes: the root note, a major third, a perfect fifth, and a major seventh (11 half steps above the root).
For instance, a C major seventh chord (written as Cmaj7) contains the notes C, E, G, and B.
The major seventh note gives these chords their characteristic dreamy quality. Major 7th chords are in jazz, bossa nova, and some of the most popular music genres.
4. Minor 7th Chords
Minor 7th chords bring an emotional and rich quality to music. A minor seventh chord consists of four notes: the root note, a minor third, a perfect fifth, and a minor seventh (10 half steps above the root).
This combination creates a chord that’s both sad and soulful. For example, a C minor seventh chord (written as Cm7) contains the notes C, E♭, G, and B♭.
Minor 7th chords have a warm, slightly jazzy feel that works in R&B, soul, and indie rock. They express more sadness than minor chords, making them particularly effective for creating moody, atmospheric song sections.
3. Suspended Chords (Sus2 and Sus4)
All types of chords form the basis of music theory. Suspended chords have a floaty quality that creates anticipation in music. Unlike most chords, these don’t contain a third (neither major nor minor).
Instead, a sus4 chord replaces the third with a perfect fourth (5 half steps above the root), while a sus2 chord replaces it with a major second (2 half steps above the root).
For example:
- A Csus4 chord contains the notes C (root), F (perfect fourth), and G (perfect fifth)
- A Csus2 chord contains C (root), D (major second), and G (perfect fifth).
Because suspended chords lack a third, they have neither a major nor a minor quality.
2. Sixth Chords (Major and Minor)
Sixth chords add a bright, jazzy flavor to the music. A major sixth chord consists of a major triad plus a major sixth note (9 half steps above the root), while a minor sixth chord contains a minor triad plus a major sixth.
For example:
- A major sixth chord (written as A6) contains the notes A (root), C (major third), E (perfect fifth), and G (major sixth).
- A C minor sixth chord (Cm6) would contain C, E♭, G, and A.
The added sixth note gives them their characteristic vintage and jazzy quality. Sixth chords are found in jazz, pop, and R&B music, offering an alternative to standard major and minor chords.
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1. Power Chords
Power chords are high-energy guitar chords that drive rock and punk music. Power chords contain two unique notes: the root and the perfect fifth.
Because they lack a third, power chords are neither major nor minor. For instance, a C power chord (written as C5) contains just C (root) and G (perfect fifth).
Power chords’ simplicity makes them perfect for playing with distortion on an electric guitar. They avoid the muddiness that comes with playing major and minor triads with heavy distortion.
These chords are the foundation of countless rock, punk, and metal songs. They’re also incredibly easy to play on guitar, making them perfect for beginners.
What Is A Chord Progression?
A chord progression is a series of chords played in sequence. It is like a song’s roadmap, determining where the music goes and how it feels.
Simple progressions use just three or four chords repeated throughout the entire song, while complex pieces use dozens of chords arranged in intricate patterns.
Chord progressions create a sense of movement and emotional development in music. They can build tension, release it, or develop a feeling of departure and return.
Understanding familiar chord progressions provides you with ready-made templates to use or adapt for your compositions. Thoughtful chord progressions create music that resonates with listeners.
Most Common Chord Progressions
Some of the most successful artists use the same chord progressions, which is why they appear so frequently in popular music. The most famous is the C-F-G progression (in the key of C), which forms the backbone of blues, rock, and country songs.
This simple yet powerful three-chord sequence perfectly balances stability and movement. Another widespread progression is the C-G-Am-F sequence, which appears in hundreds of pop hits, from “Don’t Stop Believin'” to “Let It Be.”
Other popular progressions include:
- Am-F-C-G: This progression begins with the relative minor chord, creating a wistful, emotional journey often heard in modern pop ballads.
- C-Am-F-G: The classic 1950s doo-wop progression lends songs a nostalgic, upbeat feel, making them perfect for love songs.
- Dm-G-C: A fundamental progression in jazz that creates a smooth, sophisticated resolution. In jazz contexts, these are often played as Dm7-G7-Cmaj7 to add richness.
These progressions are used frequently because they create satisfying harmonic movement that supports melodies. Learning common patterns gives you immediate access to sounds that listeners already find familiar and pleasing.
You can twist these progressions by changing the rhythm, adding passing chords, or substituting similar chords to create something fresh.
How To Write Chords
You’ll need to understand notation and how to represent chord structures on paper when writing chords. The most common method is to use chord symbols.
- Major chord: Write the root note (like “C” for C major).
- Minor chord: Add “m” or “min” after the root (like “Cm” or “Cmin”).
More complex chords add additional symbols to indicate their quality.
- Seventh chords: Add “7” (for dominant seventh), “maj7” (for major seventh), or “m7” (for minor seventh).
- Suspended chords: Indicate with “sus4” or “sus2.” Augmented and diminished chords use “aug” or “+” and “dim” or “°”.
When writing chord progressions, you list the chords in order and separate them with dashes, for example, “C—E—G—B.” If you’re learning how to read sheet music, you can still create great music with this simple system.
The Importance Of Chord Quality
Chord quality refers to the character or ‘flavor’ of a chord. Chord quality determines the emotional impact of your music.
Major chords generally sound happy and resolved, while minor chords feel sad or introspective. Diminished chords create tension, and augmented chords add mystery.
Choosing the right chord quality for a particular moment in your song can deeply move your audience. Compelling songwriters use chord quality intentionally to guide listeners through an emotional journey.
Tips For Learning Different Types Of Chords
Start with the basic triads in standard keys before moving on to more complex chords. Practice transitioning between different chord types to develop muscle memory and fluidity.
Studying songs you love can help you learn chords in context. This review makes learning more engaging and demonstrates how chords are used in real music.
Countless apps and websites provide chord diagrams and interactive lessons. Consider working with a teacher or collaborating with other musicians to give feedback and encourage one another.
Consistent, focused practice is more effective than sporadic marathon sessions. Set small, achievable goals for yourself and celebrate your progress.
Summary
Chords give music emotional power and harmonic structure. Each chord type brings its unique character to your music.
Understanding how chords are constructed and function in progressions means you can create the sound and feeling you want in your music. Mastering chords may take time and practice, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
