Musical Keyboard Chords Chart Illustrated Guide12


Playing chords on a keyboard is a fundamental skill for musicians of all levels. Chords are used to create harmony and accompany melodies, and they can be played in a variety of ways. This illustrated guide will teach you how to play basic chords on a keyboard, including major, minor, and seventh chords.

What is a Chord?

A chord is a group of three or more notes played together. Chords are typically named after their root note, which is the lowest note in the chord. For example, a C chord is a chord that is based on the note C. There are many different types of chords, but the most common are major, minor, and seventh chords.

Major Chords

Major chords are the most common type of chord. They have a bright and happy sound, and they are often used in pop, rock, and country music. To play a major chord, you need to play the root note, the third note, and the fifth note of the scale. For example, a C major chord is played by playing the notes C, E, and G.

Minor Chords

Minor chords have a darker and more somber sound than major chords. They are often used in blues, jazz, and classical music. To play a minor chord, you need to play the root note, the minor third note, and the fifth note of the scale. For example, a C minor chord is played by playing the notes C, Eb, and G.

Seventh Chords

Seventh chords are more complex than major and minor chords. They have a richer and more sophisticated sound, and they are often used in jazz and classical music. To play a seventh chord, you need to play the root note, the third note, the fifth note, and the seventh note of the scale. For example, a C seventh chord is played by playing the notes C, E, G, and Bb.

How to Use Chords

Chords can be used in a variety of ways. You can use them to create harmony, accompany melodies, or improvise. Harmony is created when two or more chords are played together. The chords should be related to each other in some way, such as by having the same root note or by being in the same key. Accompanying melodies is simply playing chords behind a melody. Improvisation is creating music on the spot, and chords can be used to provide a harmonic foundation for your improvisations.

Chord Chart

The following chart shows the most common chords for beginners. The chords are listed by root note, and the fingering for each chord is shown below the chord name.
| Chord | Fingering |
|---|---|
| C major | 1 3 5 |
| C minor | 1 b3 5 |
| C seventh | 1 3 5 b7 |
| D major | 2 4 6 |
| D minor | 2 b4 6 |
| D seventh | 2 4 6 b7 |
| E major | 3 5 7 |
| E minor | 3 b5 7 |
| E seventh | 3 5 7 b7 |
| F major | 4 6 8 |
| F minor | 4 b6 8 |
| F seventh | 4 6 8 b7 |
| G major | 5 7 9 |
| G minor | 5 b7 9 |
| G seventh | 5 7 9

2025-01-05


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