Interactive reference for all common piano chords. See exactly which keys to press.
A piano chord is formed when you play two or more notes simultaneously. The most common chords are triads (3 notes): the Root, Third, and Fifth. The interval between these notes determines whether the chord sounds major, minor, or something else.
Keys on a full piano
Possible root notes (C through B)
Notes in most chords
| Chord Type | Formula | Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Major | 1 - 3 - 5 | Happy, bright, stable |
| Minor | 1 - ♭3 - 5 | Sad, melancholic |
| Diminished | 1 - ♭3 - ♭5 | Tense, unstable |
| Augmented | 1 - 3 - #5 | Dreamy, suspenseful |
| Dom 7 | 1 - 3 - 5 - ♭7 | Bluesy, wants to resolve |
| Maj 7 | 1 - 3 - 5 - 7 | Smooth, jazzy, dreamy |
You don't always have to play the Root note at the bottom. Rearranging the notes creates inversions, which help with smooth voice leading between chords.
C Major Root: C - E - G
1st Inversion: E - G - C
2nd Inversion: G - C - E
All three are still "C Major"—they just have different notes in the bass.
Learn these progressions to play thousands of songs:
Pop: C - G - Am - F
Jazz: Dm7 - G7 - Cmaj7
Blues: C7 - F7 - G7
Explore our complete database of piano chords. Select a chord to view detailed fingering, notes, and theory.
Select a root note (like C, D, or E) and a chord type (Major, Minor, etc.). The highlighted keys show exactly which notes to play together.
For basic triads in the right hand, use fingers 1-3-5 (Thumb, Middle, Pinky). For left hand, use 5-3-1. This gives you room to reach extended chords later.
Major chords sound happy and bright. Minor chords sound sad or melancholic. The difference is just one note: the 3rd is lowered by a half step in minor chords.
7th chords add tension and color. Dominant 7ths (like G7) create a strong pull toward the next chord. Major 7ths sound dreamy. Minor 7ths sound jazzy and smooth.
Start by practicing two chords back-to-back slowly. Focus on minimal finger movement—some fingers may stay in place between chords. Use a metronome and gradually increase speed.