Chord Construction

Understanding Chord Construction

Chords are built by stacking specific intervals above a root note. The type of intervals used determines the quality and character of the chord.

Chord Types

Major Triads

Built with a major third and perfect fifth above the root

C Major:

𝄞C4E4G4

F Major:

𝄞F4A4C5

Try it on the piano:

C4
C#4
D4
D#4
E4
F4
F#4
G4
G#4
A4
A#4
B4
C5
C#5
D5
D#5
E5
F5
F#5
G5
G#5
A5
A#5
B5
C6

Interactive Practice

What intervals make up a major triad?

𝄞C4E4G4

What intervals make up a minor triad?

𝄞A4C5E5

Daily Practice

Master chord construction with these exercises:

  • Build major and minor triads starting on different roots
  • Practice identifying chord qualities by ear
  • Experiment with adding sevenths to triads
  • Create chord progressions using different chord types