Chord Calculator
Pick a root note and chord type to instantly see every note in the chord, the intervals in semitones, and the scale degree formula. Covers major, minor, diminished, augmented, suspended, and seventh chords in all 12 keys.
How chords are built:
A chord is a group of notes played together. Most chords are built by stacking intervals (measured in semitones) on top of a root note.
Common chord types:
- Major -- bright, happy sound. Formula: 1 - 3 - 5 (root, major 3rd, perfect 5th)
- Minor -- darker, sadder sound. Formula: 1 - b3 - 5 (root, minor 3rd, perfect 5th)
- Diminished -- tense, unstable. Formula: 1 - b3 - b5
- Augmented -- dreamy, unresolved. Formula: 1 - 3 - #5
- Dominant 7th -- bluesy, wants to resolve. Formula: 1 - 3 - 5 - b7
- Major 7th -- smooth, jazzy. Formula: 1 - 3 - 5 - 7
- Minor 7th -- mellow, soulful. Formula: 1 - b3 - 5 - b7
Semitone reference: one semitone = one fret on guitar, one key (including black keys) on piano. A major 3rd is 4 semitones, a perfect 5th is 7 semitones.