How to form major and minor piano chords

Lesson 2...Major and Minor Piano Chords

Piano chords, or any chord for that matter, are formed by combining two or more scale tones (notes). You now know the tones (notes) that comprise all 12 major scales and you can play these scales smoothly (not necessarily quickly…yet!). It is now time to apply this knowledge and begin combining the scale tones to form chords. You may also see this referred to as combining two or more intervals (remember the definition from your study of major scales). We will begin our study with the simplest and most common type of piano chords, the triad.

As the name implies a triad is composed of 3 notes from the major scale. We shall begin with the major triad. A major triad consists of the 1st, 3rd, and 5th tones (notes) of a major scale. You will also see this referred to as the root (1st), major third (3rd), and perfect fifth (5th). So, based upon this C major chords would consist of the notes C, E, and G of the C major scale. The symbols for a major triad are Major, M, or Maj. Whenever you see these names or symbols following a piano note (C, D, Eb, F#, etc.) you know it is referring to major triad chords. Or if you are just given the note (C, D, etc.) it is inferred to be a major triad.

If you would like to see some major chords go to Chordhouse.com piano chords finder tool. All you have to do is select the chord name (C, Eb, F, Ab, F#, etc.) and then select "Major". The chord will be highlighted for you on their "virtual piano keyboard". This will open up a new window so when you are done simply close that page and you will be back here. Take a look now and view some major chords then come on back.

Now, when you practice these major chords, I recommend you form them using the 1st, 3rd, and 5th fingers of your right hand. Thumb (1st), middle finger (3rd), and pinky (5th). Your left hand will form these chords using the 1st, 3rd, and 5th fingers also, but the numbering is pinky (1st) middle finger (3rd) and thumb (5th).

Piano Chords-Minor Triads
You now know that combining the 1st, 3rd, and 5th tones (notes) of a major scale form major triad piano chords. If you lower the 3rd tone one half step it becomes a minor triad. So, minor triad chords are the 1st, b3rd, and 5th tones (notes) of a major scale. The b3rd is the symbol for "flatted 3rd". As stated this means the 3rd tone (note) of the major scale is lowered one halfstep. You will also see this referred to as root (1st), minor third (b3rd), and perfect fifth (5th).

So, based upon this a C minor chord would consist of the notes C, Eb, and G. The symbols for a minor triad are minor, m, min. or -. Whenever you see these names or symbols following a piano note (C, D, Eb, F#, etc.) you know it is referring to minor triad chords.

As with the major chords, you can go to Chordhouse.com piano chord finder and check out some minor piano chords. All you have to do is select the chord name (C, Eb, F, Ab, F#, etc.) and then select "minor". The chord will be highlighted for you on our "virtual piano keyboard". This will open up a new window so when you are done simply close that page and you will be back here. Go now and view some minor chords then come on back.

Now, when you practice these minor chords, I want you to form them using the 1st, 3rd, and 5th fingers of your right hand. Thumb (1st), middle finger (3rd), and pinky (5th). Your left hand will form these chords using the 1st, 3rd, and 5th fingers also, but the numbering is pinky (1st) middle finger (3rd) and thumb (5th).

Piano Chords-Other Triad chords
Two other 3 tone (note) piano chords we will discuss are the augmented and suspended 4th. An augmented chord is formed by combining the 1st, 3rd, and #5th tones (notes) of a major scale. #5th (sharped 5th) means you raise the 5th tone (note) of the scale by one half step. Based upon this combination of tones, C augmented chords would consist of C, E, and G#. The symbols for an augmented chord are aug., (#5), and +5. Whenever you see these names or symbols following a piano note (C, D, Eb, F#, etc.) you know it is referring to augmented piano chords.

A suspended 4th chord is formed by combining the 1st, 4th, and 5th tones (notes) of a major scale. Based upon this combination of tones a C suspended 4th piano chord would consist of C, F, and G. The symbol for a suspended 4th chord is (sus4). Whenever you see this name or symbol following a piano note (C, D, Eb, F#, etc.) you know it is referring to suspended 4th piano chords.

Examples of both the augmented and suspended 4th piano chords can be found by viewing the piano chord finder at Chordhouse.com. Use the same procedure as with locating and viewing major and minor chords. Simply highlight the note (C, D#/Eb, F, etc.) and then select either "augmented"or "suspended 4th". When you are done close the window and you will be taken back to this page.

Now, when you practice these piano chords, I recommend you form them using the 1st, 3rd, and5th fingers of your right hand. Thumb (1st), middle finger (3rd), and pinky (5th). Your left handwill form these chords using the 1st, 3rd, and 5th fingers also, but the numbering is pinky (1st)middle finger (3rd) and thumb (5th).

It is now time to move on to seventh (7th)piano chords. These chords are constructed using 4 scale tones (notes) and have a richer soundthan the triads. We shall learn how to form Major 7th, Minor 7th, Dominant 7th, and Half Diminished7th chords. So continue practicing triad chords and when you are ready click on the linksbelow to continue your studies on piano chords.

Major and Minor 7th Piano Chords

Dominant and Half Diminished 7th Piano Chords