Piano Chords Tutorial – Part 2
<< Piano Chords Tutorial – Part 1
In the first part of piano chords tutorial, we discussed what piano chords are, why they matter, and how they make music sound better.
Now, let’s dive deeper!
We’ll explore exactly what’s inside a chord, how chords are built, and how knowing this can help you play piano even better.
Piano Chord Basics: Notes, Intervals and Structure
What Are the Notes in a Piano Chord?
As we discussed in the last section, a piano chord is made up of different notes played at the same time.
Usually, a chord has at least three notes.
For example, a C Major chord has three notes: C, E, and G and they are part of the C Major scale also.
Each note in a chord has a special job to do, making the chord sound full and beautiful.
How Do I Identify the Root Note of a Chord?
The root note is the “main” note of the chord, and it gives the chord its name.
It’s like the “boss” note, the leader of the group or the chord’s name-giver.
To find the root note:
- In most basic chords, it’s the lowest note when the chord is in its basic position
- The chord is named after this note (like C major, F minor, G7)
For example, in a C major chord, the note C is the root. If someone says, “Play a D minor chord,” you’d start with the note D as your root.
Example:
- In a C Major chord (C-E-G), the root note is C.
- In an F Major chord (F-A-C), the root note is F.
- In an A Minor chord, the root note is A.
What Is an Interval in Piano Chords?
An interval is the distance between two notes.
Think of intervals like steps on a ladder or spaces between stepping stones in a path.
An interval measures the distance from one note to another and they help us to understand how chords are built.
Some notes are close together, and some notes are farther apart.
We count both the starting note and ending note when naming intervals.
- For example:
- From C to E is an interval of a third because E is the third note in the C Major scale.
- From C to G is an interval of a fifth because G is the fifth note in the C Major scale.
How Do Intervals Affect the Sound of a Chord?
Intervals decide how a chord sounds.
Different intervals create different feelings and moods.
They can make chords sound happy, sad, scary, or peaceful.
- Larger intervals or major intervals (like a major third) can sound happy or bright.
- Small intervals or minor intervals (like a minor third) can sound sad or tense.
What Are the Most Common Intervals Used in Piano Chords?
- The most common intervals in chords are:
- Major Third: Example: C to E. It sounds bright and happy.
- Minor Third: Example: C to E♭. It sounds sad or serious.
- Perfect Fifth: Example: C to G. It gives the chord a stable and balanced sound.
How Do You Count Intervals on a Piano Keyboard?
Counting intervals on a piano is like counting steps on a staircase. Here’s how to do it:
- Start on any note (let’s say C)
- Count that first note as “one”
- Count each white AND black key as you move up or down
For example, to find a 3rd above C:
- C is 1
- D is 2
- E is 3
So E is a 3rd above C.
Remember: Both white and black keys count as steps! From C to E♭ is still a 3rd, but it’s a different kind of 3rd (a minor 3rd).
How Are Chords Structured on the Piano?
Chords are built by stacking intervals on top of the root note.
- Example: For a C Major chord:
- Start with the root note: C.
- Add a major third interval: E.
- Add a perfect fifth interval: G.
- Together, C + E + G = C Major chord.
Hence, starting at C, a C major chord is built like this:
- C (Root), E (Major third), and G (Perfect fifth)
Why Is the Order of Notes Important in a Chord?
The order of notes can change the way a chord sounds or feels:
- In root position, the root note is the lowest note.
- In inversions, the notes are rearranged so a different note is at the bottom (more on inversions later).
Even though the notes are the same, changing their order can create a new sound.
Usually, the lowest note you play is what your ears notice first.
Changing the order of notes can make chords sound smooth and nice, or strong and powerful.
What Is a Chord Formula and How Do I Use It?
A chord formula is like a recipe that tells you exactly which notes you need to build a chord. It makes it easy to build chords starting from any note.
For example:
- The formula for a Major chord is: Root + Major Third + Perfect Fifth.
- The formula for a Minor chord is: Root + Minor Third + Perfect Fifth.
You can use these formulas to build any chord, starting from any key on the piano.
If you use this formula starting from D, you get:
- D Major chord: D-F#-A
- D Minor chord: D-F-A
How Can I Quickly Recognize Chord Patterns on Piano Keys?
Look at the patterns the chords make on the piano keyboard.
Chords often follow patterns that are easy to spot.
For example, every major chord has the same pattern of notes. Similarly, every minor chord also has the same pattern of notes:
- For a Major chord, look for a “2 keys apart + 3 keys apart” pattern.
- For a Minor chord, look for a “3 keys apart + 2 keys apart” pattern.
Practice these patterns to quickly recognize and play chords. Once you learn the pattern, you can quickly find and play chords anywhere on the piano.
What Is the Difference Between Major and Minor Chord Intervals?
What Makes a Chord Major vs. Minor?
Major and minor chords have different “feelings.”
Major chords usually sound happy, bright, or strong. Minor chords often sound sad, serious, mysterious, or gentle.
The difference comes down to one single note – the 3rd:
Major chords use a major 3rd (4 half steps from the root) and minor chords use a minor 3rd (3 half steps from the root)
- Major chord: Root + Major third + Perfect fifth
- Minor chord: Root + Minor third + Perfect fifth
Example:
- C Major: C-E-G (E is a major 3rd above C and sounds happy)
- C Minor: C-E♭-G (E♭ is a minor 3rd above C and sounds sad)
Just changing that middle note from E to E♭ completely changes the feeling of the chord!
How Do You Build a Basic Triad?
A triad is the most common type of chord. It’s made of exactly three notes stacked in a specific pattern. Think of it like a sandwich with three layers.
To build a basic triad:
- Choose your root note (like C)
- Add a note a 3rd above the root (like E)
- Add another note a 3rd above that second note (like G)
Another way to think about it:
- Start with your root note
- Skip a note, play a note
- Skip a note, play a note
For example, to build a C major triad:
- Start on C (the root)
- Skip D, play E (the 3rd)
- Skip F, play G (the 5th)
Now you have C, E, and G – a C major triad!
How Can Understanding Notes and Intervals Improve My Piano Playing?
By understanding notes, intervals, and chord structures:
- You can build any chord without needing to memorize them.
- You’ll recognize patterns in songs faster.
- You’ll be able to play chords in different ways (inversions, voicings) to make your music sound more interesting.
You can also:
- Play songs faster.
- Learn new music easily.
- Create your own music.
- Make your playing sound smooth and professional.
Understanding how chords work makes you a stronger piano player and musician!
Great job! Now you’ve learned all about notes, intervals, and chord structures. In our next lesson, we’ll start exploring different types of chords more deeply, helping you master piano chords step-by-step.
Keep practicing, and have fun playing the piano! 🎹
Piano Chords Tutorial – Next (Basic Piano Chords: Major and Minor Chords)
In the next post, we’ll explore the notes, intervals, and structure that make up chords. Let’s get ready to unlock the secrets of chord building!
We’ll learn about the notes that make up chords and something called “intervals” that give chords their special sound.
- Deeper dive into chord composition
- Understanding intervals
- Chord formulas and structures
- Difference between major and minor chords
