Major and Minor Chords
<< Piano Chords Tutorial – Part 1
<< Piano Chords Tutorial – Part 2
In our first two post of piano chords tutorial series, we learned about the building blocks of chords: notes, intervals, and their structure.
This foundation is essential because every chord you play on the piano relies on these concepts.
Now, it’s time to dive deeper into two of the most important types of chords you’ll encounter as a piano player: Major chords and Minor chords.
These two chords, i.e. major and minor chords are the most common chords in music. Once you learn them, you’ll be able to play thousands of songs!
They also help you understand how chords work, so you can learn more advanced chords later. Plus, they’re easy to play and sound great right from the start.
Let’s explore what makes these chords special and how to start playing them!
What Are Major Chords?
Think of major chords as “happy chords.” They sound bright, cheerful, and positive.
When you hear a major chord, it usually makes you feel good or excited.
For example, most birthday songs or nursery rhymes use major chords because they’re cheerful and lively.
Think of the sound you hear at the end of a Disney movie or when something good happens in a story – that’s often a major chord!
In music, we usually write major chords with just the letter name, like C or G, or sometimes we add the word “major,” like C major or G major.
What Are Minor Chords?
Minor chords are like the opposite of major chords. They usually sound a bit sad, serious, or thoughtful.
If you’ve ever heard music that made you feel calm, sad, or emotional, it was probably using minor chords.
Think of the music that plays during a sad scene in a movie – that’s often using minor chords.
When we write minor chords, we usually use the letter name plus the letter “m,” like Am or Dm, or we say “A minor,” “D minor,” and so on.
How Do Major and Minor Chords Sound Different?
- Major chords sound bright, happy, and cheerful.
- Minor chords sound sad, quiet, or emotional.
The only difference between a major and minor chord is the middle note (the third).
In a major chord, this note is higher by one half-step than in a minor chord. This tiny change makes a big difference in how the chord feels!
Try this:
Play a C major chord (C-E-G) and listen to how it sounds happy.
Then play a C minor chord (C-E♭-G) and notice how it sounds more sad.
The only note that changed was the E to E♭, but the feeling is completely different!
You can easily recognize if a song is happy or sad just by listening for major or minor chords!
Why Should I Learn Major and Minor Chords First?
Major and minor chords are like the most important building blocks for music.
Nearly every song you’ll play on the piano, from simple nursery rhymes to your favorite pop songs, is built mostly from these chords.
Here’s why major and minor chords are perfect for beginners:
- They’re the most common chords in most songs
- They’re simple (just three notes)
- Once you learn the pattern, you can play them in any key
- You can understand music better and quickly learn to play your favorite songs.
- They help you understand the emotional “color” of music
- You will feel confident and excited about practicing piano.
- They’re the foundation for learning more complicated chords later
Think of major and minor chords as your first words in the language of music. Just like learning “hello” and “thank you” first in a new language, these chords will help you start making music right away!
That’s why it’s best to start with these easy chords first!
Now that you know what major and minor chords are, let’s learn how to play them! We’ll start with major chords because they’re a little easier to understand.
By the end of this section, you’ll be able to play a C major chord and use the same pattern to play any major chord on the piano.
4. How to Play Major Chords on Piano (Step-by-Step)
What Notes Do I Need for a Major Chord?
Every major chord has 3 notes:
– a root (the first note),
– a major third, and
– a perfect fifth.
For example, in a C major chord, the notes are C (root), E (major third), and G (perfect fifth).
Don’t worry, these are just fancy words we’ll explain soon!
What Makes a Chord “Major”?
A chord is major because of how the notes are spaced apart.
It has a special pattern that makes it sound happy.
The major third (four half steps above the root) gives the chord its happy and bright sound.
How Do I Build a C Major Chord Step by Step?
Let’s learn the pattern by building a C major chord together.
Later, the same pattern will help you find other major chords easily!
What Pattern Do All Major Chords Follow?
All major chords follow the same easy pattern of notes.
Once you know this pattern, you can find any major chord quickly!
- The pattern for major chords is simple:
- Start with the root note.
- Move up 4 half steps for the major third.
- Move up 3 more half steps for the perfect fifth.
How Do I Play the C Major Chord Easily?
We’ll use an easy picture and simple steps to show exactly how to place your fingers.
- Place your right-hand thumb on C, your middle finger on E, and your pinky on G.
- Press all three notes at the same time. That’s it!
What Fingers Should I Use to Play Major Chords?
Right Hand
Use your thumb, middle finger, and pinky on your right hand (fingers 1, 3, and 5).
So, for most major chords, to play with right hand, use:
Thumb for the root note.
Middle finger for the major third.
Pinky finger for the perfect fifth.
Left Hand
For your left hand, use your pinky, middle finger, and thumb (fingers 5, 3, and 1).
So, for most major chords, to play with left hand, use:
Pinky finger for the root note.
Middle finger for the major third.
Thumb for the perfect fifth.
This hand position is comfortable and makes it easy to move between chords.
Can I Use the Same Pattern for Other Major Chords?
Yes! The best thing about piano chords is that you only need to learn one pattern, and then you can use it over and over again.
- The 4-half-step and 3-half-step pattern works for all major chords.
- For example, to play a G major chord:
- Start on G.
- Count up 4 half steps to find B.
- Count up 3 more half steps to find D.
- Play G, B, and D together.
Now that you’ve mastered major chords, let’s move on to minor chords.
Minor chords sound sadder and more emotional than major chords, but they’re just as easy to play.
By the end of this section, you’ll be able to play an A minor chord and use the same pattern to play any minor chord on the piano.
5. How to Play Minor Chords on Piano (Step-by-Step)
After you’re comfortable with major chords, minor chords will be a breeze!
Let’s learn how they work.
What Notes Do I Need for a Minor Chord?
Minor chords also have 3 notes:
– a root,
– a minor third, and
– a perfect fifth.
For example, in an A minor chord, the notes are A (root), C (minor third), and E (perfect fifth).
Only one note is different from the major chord!
What Makes a Chord “Minor” and Why Does It Sound Sad?
The middle note in a minor chord is slightly lower
– three half steps above the root instead of four half steps as in major chord.
And this small change (from major third to minor third) creates a big difference in how the chord feels, makes the chord sound sad or emotional.
How Is a Minor Chord Different from a Major Chord?
We’ll clearly show you how changing just one note turns a happy major chord into a sad minor chord!
- A major chord has a major third (4 half steps above the root), while a minor chord has a minor third (3 half steps above the root).
- Everything else—the root and the perfect fifth—stays the same.
How Do I Play an A Minor Chord Easily?
Using clear pictures and easy steps, you’ll quickly learn how to play A minor.
- Find the note A on your piano (it’s the white key between G and B).
- Count up three half steps from A. You’ll land on C.
- Count up four half steps from C. You’ll land on E.
- Play A, C, and E together—this is an A minor chord!
What’s the Easiest Way to Remember Minor Chord Patterns?
We’ll give you simple tricks to help you quickly remember how to form minor chords.
- The pattern for minor chords is:
- Root note.
- Up 3 half steps for the minor third.
- Up 4 more half steps for the perfect fifth.
Can I Use the Same Pattern for Other Minor Chords?
Absolutely! Just like major chords, minor chords also follow a simple pattern.
- The 3-half-step and 4-half-step pattern works for all minor chords.
- For example, to play an E minor chord:
- Start on E.
- Count up 3 half steps to find G.
- Count up 4 more half steps to find B.
- Play E, G, and B together.
Which Fingers Should I Use for Minor Chords?
We’ll show you the best fingers to use so your hands feel comfortable and relaxed.
- Use the same fingers as for major chords:
- Right hand: fingers 1 (thumb), 3 (middle), 5 (pinky).
- Left hand: fingers 5 (pinky), 3 (middle), 1 (thumb).
By learning major and minor chords, you’re taking a huge step toward becoming a confident piano player. Once you’ve mastered these, you’ll be able to play many popular songs and start experimenting with music on your own. Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to explore!
