The fifth adds stability and weight to the chord and closes out the triad sonically. The top note of the triad is called the fifth. I don’t want to overload you with theory right now, but just so you know, a major third is four semitones away from the root note and a minor third is three semitones away from the root note.Ĭheck out these diagrams below to see the major third and minor third on the keyboard. A major chord generally sounds happier and brighter while a minor chord generally sounds darker and more sad.

The third defines the chord as a major chord or a minor chord. The middle note of the triad is called the third.

For example, if you are playing a song and the first chord is C major, that means your chord will start on the note C. You will see it written first as a capital letter. Anything with the prefix “tri” indicates a group of three. The main type of chord that you will be learning about in this post is called a triad. A chord diagram is the easiest way to learn piano chords. Chords can be notated on a chord sheet or on the musical staff.Triads are a type of chord with three notes.There are many types of chords, but the two most common are major and minor chords.A chord happens when you push down 2 or more keys on the piano.However, there are some specific attributes that define the chords that are most commonly used in music. Anytime you sit down at the piano and push down two or more keys at the same time, you have played a chord! That’s it.

In music, a chord is simply the combination of two or more notes played simultaneously. What chords do you absolutely need to know?.

Free printable piano chord chart