How to build chords – Beginner to pro

Intervals

An interval is the distance between two notes and chords are usually built by stacking notes at different intervals. You can count the intervals up and down the keyboard in steps known as semitones.

The confusing part is that the name of an interval can be a different number from the number of semitones, this is because it’s based on the scale position. For instance, a major third is on the third position on a major scale. In this guide, intervals will be broken up into smaller intervals, so all you need to remember are these intervals:

• Major second = 2 semitones
• Minor third = 3 semitones
• Major third = 4 semitones
• Perfect fourth = 5 semitones

By stacking these intervals, you can create almost any chord. The starting note is typically called the root, this note will also give the chord its name. For instance, a chord starting on note C will be a C-chord. The following notes will determine if it’s a C major, C minor, C diminished, etc.

Any other intervals mentioned in this guide, such as perfect fifth, minor seventh, major seventh, and major ninth, will be in referring to the different notes of the chords in relation to the root, but you don’t have to remember the total number of semitones.

Basic chords

The most common chord types are major and minor chords. These are both triads, which means they have three notes each and are built with intervals of thirds (3 or 4 semitones). The lowest and highest notes stay the same for both major and minor chords but the middle note is different by 1 semitone.

Two other triads, that are less common because of their dissonance, are diminished and augmented chords. You can ignore these two chord types as a beginner unless you’re feeling adventurous.