Chord Finder
Category: MusicFind chords by selecting notes on the keyboard, or search for chord names to see their notes and fingerings.
Chord Finder
Selected Notes
Possible Chords
Chord Information
Notes on Keyboard
Guitar Fingerings
Music Theory Reference
Common Chord Types
- Major (C): Root, major 3rd, perfect 5th (C-E-G)
- Minor (Cm): Root, minor 3rd, perfect 5th (C-Eb-G)
- Dominant 7th (C7): Root, major 3rd, perfect 5th, minor 7th (C-E-G-Bb)
- Major 7th (Cmaj7): Root, major 3rd, perfect 5th, major 7th (C-E-G-B)
- Minor 7th (Cm7): Root, minor 3rd, perfect 5th, minor 7th (C-Eb-G-Bb)
- Diminished (C°): Root, minor 3rd, diminished 5th (C-Eb-Gb)
- Augmented (C+): Root, major 3rd, augmented 5th (C-E-G#)
- Sus4 (Csus4): Root, perfect 4th, perfect 5th (C-F-G)
- Sus2 (Csus2): Root, major 2nd, perfect 5th (C-D-G)
Chord Intervals
- Root (1): The base note of the chord
- Minor 2nd (b2): 1 semitone above the root
- Major 2nd (2): 2 semitones above the root
- Minor 3rd (b3): 3 semitones above the root
- Major 3rd (3): 4 semitones above the root
- Perfect 4th (4): 5 semitones above the root
- Diminished 5th (b5): 6 semitones above the root
- Perfect 5th (5): 7 semitones above the root
- Augmented 5th (#5): 8 semitones above the root
- Major 6th (6): 9 semitones above the root
- Minor 7th (b7): 10 semitones above the root
- Major 7th (7): 11 semitones above the root
Tips for Chord Construction
- Major chords have a bright, happy sound.
- Minor chords have a darker, more melancholic sound.
- Dominant 7th chords create tension that wants to resolve.
- Sus chords have an open, ambiguous quality.
- Diminished chords sound tense and unstable.
- Augmented chords have a dreamy, mysterious quality.
- Adding a 7th to any chord adds complexity and color.
- Extended chords (9ths, 11ths, 13ths) add sophistication and jazz-like qualities.
What Is the Chord Finder Tool?
The Chord Finder is an interactive music tool that helps you identify, understand, and visualize musical chords. Whether you're playing piano, guitar, or learning music theory, this tool lets you explore how notes form chords and how those chords are constructed. You can either select notes to see what chords they form, or choose a chord name to see its structure, notes, and finger positions on a virtual keyboard and fretboard.
Why Use the Chord Finder?
This tool is ideal for musicians, students, and songwriters who want to:
- Learn how different chords are built
- Recognize chords by ear or note combinations
- Explore new chord shapes on piano or guitar
- Understand how chords function in music
- Quickly find chord alternatives or variations
How to Use the Chord Finder
Option 1: Notes to Chord
Use this feature to discover which chords match the notes you select:
- Click on the virtual piano keys to select 2 or more notes
- Selected notes will be shown above the keyboard
- The tool will list possible chords that match those notes
- Click a chord result to see its full details and fingerings
Option 2: Chord to Notes
Use this to break down a chord and see how it’s built:
- Select a root note and chord type from the dropdowns
- Click “Show Chord”
- The tool displays the chord name, notes, intervals, and description
- You’ll also see the notes on the piano and a suggested guitar fingering
Chord Construction Formula
Each chord is made from a combination of intervals starting from a root note. Here are some common chord formulas:
- Major: Root + Major 3rd (4 semitones) + Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
- Minor: Root + Minor 3rd (3 semitones) + Perfect 5th
- Diminished: Root + Minor 3rd + Diminished 5th (6 semitones)
- Augmented: Root + Major 3rd + Augmented 5th (8 semitones)
- Dominant 7th: Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th (10 semitones)
- Major 7th: Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 7th (11 semitones)
The tool handles these and many more types, including extended chords like 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths.
Key Features
- Interactive Piano: Select notes to identify chords visually
- Guitar Fretboard: See suggested fingerings for each chord
- Alternative Names: View common chord aliases
- Enharmonic Support: Recognize equivalent notes like C# and Db
- Theory Reference: Learn chord intervals and types directly in the tool
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to know music theory to use this?
No. This tool is beginner-friendly. You can click notes and see results without needing to understand music theory beforehand.
Can I use this for both piano and guitar?
Yes. The tool shows how chords look on a piano and suggests fingerings for guitar as well.
What’s the difference between “Notes to Chord” and “Chord to Notes”?
“Notes to Chord” helps you identify chords from selected notes. “Chord to Notes” lets you break down a chord and see its structure.
What are enharmonic equivalents?
These are different names for the same note. For example, C# and Db sound the same but are written differently. The tool can show both if you enable the option.
Can I find advanced chords like 9ths or 13ths?
Yes. You can explore extended chords like maj9, min11, 13, and more from the dropdown menu.
How This Tool Helps You
The Chord Finder simplifies learning and exploring music. It gives instant feedback, encourages experimentation, and supports better understanding of harmony. Whether you're learning to play, writing songs, or just curious about how chords work, this tool provides a hands-on way to practice and learn faster.