Chords form the cornerstones of piano music, so it is vital that pianists understand all of the different types and relationships between chords.
To create a major chord, start with your root note and count four half steps (semitones) right of it – this will become the major third.
Root Note
A chord on a piano is made up of multiple notes that come together to produce a distinct sound. Every major chord begins with its root note – usually found by counting four keys to the right (including black ones) and placing your finger there. To identify any major chord, its root must first be found. To do this on a keyboard keyboard you simply count four keys away and place your finger where needed.
Once you’ve mastered that, move onto minor chords – more challenging but rewarding nonetheless! Their distinct sound comes from differences between intervals between root and third; keep this in mind when learning them. Furthermore, there are also augmented and diminished chords (including rare sharp eleventh chords) to consider as well.
Major Third
Step one in creating a major chord is taking your root note and counting 7 half-steps; one half step is defined as being equal distance between two notes on a piano key.
You should now have reached the fifth of the scale. Note that major intervals (thirds, sixths and sevenths) only apply if they come from major scales; otherwise they could either be major or perfect.
From this chord formula can also be created several other types of major chords, including a Major Sixth chord (Cmaj6) and less common 6/9 or Maj7 chord (not to be confused with Dominant 9 chord).
Major Fifth
The major fifth is an integral component of major chord piano formula and must be understood thoroughly to effectively use it. Like every major triad, it consists of the root note, major third and perfect fifth (C to E is four half steps/semitones; therefore C to Eb requires three semitones).
When the major fifth is diminished by one step, you get an altered or diminished fifth chord which would be marked in a chord symbol with either “b5”, “m7” or “o”.
Learning all 12 notes at once may seem intimidating, but once you understand the major chords piano formula it will become far easier! Simply subscribe below to get instant access to our printable Ultimate Chord Cheat Sheet – printed and instant!
Minor Third
The third is an essential note in determining a chord’s major or minor quality, often falling a half step lower than its preceding note. A great way to remember this interval is by recalling popular songs that begin with similar notes such as Greensleeves or “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow”.
To create a minor triad, begin at the root note, counting up four and three keys (black or white) rightward until reaching number four (the fourth key) before placing one finger on that key before adding two additional fingers for third and fifth notes respectively.
Learning all major and minor triads is a fundamental skill for any pianist. By honing this ability, you will sharpen your ear while discovering many different genres of music!
Minor Fifth
The fifth is an essential chord note in major. Like its counterpart, the major third, it sits four half steps above its root note. But like its cousin the major third, its depth can also be altered through raising or lowering notes that form its interval – such as C to G for instance can become C to A or even lower down to B!
All these notes combined together make up the major triad chord. This chord type can be used in numerous musical situations and is essential to learning – it sounds amazing too! Don’t be intimidated by practicing this chord – you won’t regret it!