Types of Chords

Understanding the different types of chords is essential for any musician—whether you’re a performer, composer, or songwriter.

Music is a rich tapestry woven from various elements, and chords serve as one of its most fundamental building blocks.

They add harmonic structure, emotional depth, and texture to compositions across all genres.

As the foundation of harmony, chords shape the emotional character of a piece, driving its melodies and rhythms while setting the overall mood and atmosphere.

This article explores various chord types, explaining their construction, structure, and uses.

From basic triads to complex seventh chords, you’ll gain a clear understanding of each chord’s function and learn how to apply them creatively.

What Are Chords?

A chord, in its simplest form, is a group of three or more notes played simultaneously.

While a standard chord typically contains at least three notes, more complex chords can have four, five, or even more.

These notes sound together to create harmonies that evoke specific emotions and moods depending on their arrangement and set of notes involve.

It worth noting that every chord belongs to a specific key, meaning its notes are drawn from a defined set of notes.

Basically, the specific combination of notes defines the chord’s type and its emotional or tonal quality.

Several fundamental chord types exist, such as major chords, along with less common varieties like extended chords, which we will explore later.

Chords can also be categorized based on the number of notes they contain:

Dyads (two-note chords)
Triads (three-note chords)
Tetrads (four-note chords)

Dyads (or Intervals)

Dyads, also known as intervals—or less commonly, diads—are two-note “chords” played simultaneously to create a harmonic interval.

They often consist of the root and third of a key, as these notes are essential for defining the key’s tonality.

For example, a C major dyad comprises C and E, while a C minor dyad contains C and Eb. Also, Dyads are classified by the interval between the notes.

The interval between G and B (four half steps), for example, is a major third, implying a G major chord (G, B, D).

Triads

Triads, the most common chord structure, consist of three notes: the root, the third, and the fifth (or dominant) of the key.

A D major triad, for example, contains D, F#, and A, while a D minor triad contains D, F, and A.

The key difference between major and minor triads lies in the third.

In a D major triad, the third is F#, whereas in a D minor triad, it is F.

This small change dramatically affects the chord’s overall tonality and emotional character.

Tetrads

Tetrads, though less common, are four-note chords. They often take the form of seventh chords, popular in jazz but also found in pop and related genres.

For example, a C major seventh chord contains C, E, G, and B, while a C minor seventh chord contains C, Eb, G, and Bb.

A small change in the third and seventh notes of the C major and C minor tetrads dramatically alters the chord’s overall tonality and emotional character.

Types of Chords

Chords are classified by their intervals—the distance between each note.

Understanding different types of chords helps musicians create harmonic progressions, improvise effectively, and write music that resonates with listeners.

Here are some common types of chords:

1. Types of Chords – Triad Chords

The most common type of chord is the triad, which consists of three notes.

Triads form the foundation of many other chord structures and can be categorized into four primary groups: major, minor, diminished, and augmented.

A. Major Chords

Major chords are among the most common and foundational in music, known for their bright, happy, and uplifting sound.

They are built by stacking three notes: the root, a major third, and a perfect fifth.

NOTE: Major chords are constructed by combining the following intervals:

The root note
The Major third
The perfect fifth

For example, a C major chord consists of C (the root), E (a major third above C), and G (a perfect fifth above C).

Similarly, a G major chord includes G, B, and D. When played together, these notes create a consonant, resolved, and uplifting sound.

Due to their intervallic structure, major chords are often described as bright, happy, and stable.

Their cheerful quality makes them a staple in upbeat music across genres like pop, rock, and classical.

Many pop songs rely heavily on major chords for their warm and inviting tone.

Try playing a C major chord on a piano or guitar—you’ll immediately recognize its pleasant sound.

Here’s a table for the Major Triad:

Aspect	Details
Sound Quality	Bright and happy
Interval Structure	– Root – Major third – Perfect fifth
Example	C Major (C, E, G)

B. Minor Chords

Minor chords are another fundamental type of chord, known for their darker, more somber tone.

They are similar to major chords, but with a crucial difference in the third interval.

Minor chords are constructed by adding a minor third (three semitones) and a perfect fifth above the root note.

NOTE: Minor chords are constructed by combining the following intervals:

The root note
Minor third
Perfect fifth

For example, a C minor chord consists of C (the root), E♭ (a minor third above C), and G (a perfect fifth above C). Therefore, the C minor chord is made up of C, E♭, G.

Similarly, an E minor chord consists of E (the root), G (a minor third above E), and B (a perfect fifth above E). Thus, the E minor chord is made up of E, G, B.

While only one note differentiates them, minor chords sound vastly different from the cheery, resolved nature of major chords.

Lowering the third by a half-step gives the minor chord a more melancholic feel, creating a darker, more complex sound compared to its major counterpart.

In contrast to major chords, minor chords convey a sense of melancholy, introspection, and tension.

They are commonly used in ballads, film scores, and blues music to express sadness or longing.

The difference between major and minor chords sharing the same root note (like C major and C minor) becomes particularly clear when you listen to them side by side.

This comparison vividly illustrates their profound emotional differences.

Aspect	Details
Sound Quality	Somber or sad
Interval Structure	– Root – Minor third – Perfect fifth
Example	C Minor (C, E♭, G)

C. Diminished Chords

Diminished chords introduce even greater tension into music. Their unique interval structure creates a tense and dissonant quality.

Constructed by stacking minor thirds, they produce a dissonant yet intriguing sound.

At their core, diminished chords consist of a root note, a minor third, and a diminished fifth—also known as the tritone, an interval spanning six semitones.

NOTE: Diminished chords are constructed by combining the following intervals:

The root note
A minor third
A diminished fifth (also known as a tritone)

The diminished fifth creates instability, making these chords ideal for building suspense and adding tension.

For example, a C diminished chord is made up of C (the root), E♭ (a minor third above C), and G♭ (a diminished fifth above C). Thus, the C diminished chord is made up of C, E♭, G♭.

Similarly, an A♭ diminished chord consists of A♭ (the root), B (a minor third above A♭), and D (a diminished fifth above A♭). Therefore, the A♭ diminished chord is made up of A♭, B, D.

Because of their unstable nature, composers use diminished chords sparingly to create suspense or heighten tension before resolving to another chord.

Hearing a diminished chord resolve into a major chord feels like a satisfying relief after mounting anticipation.

This makes diminished chords a staple in classical music, jazz, and film scores, where they are used to evoke suspense and unresolved tension before leading to resolution in the next chord.

Aspect	Details
Sound Quality	Tense and unstable
Interval Structure	– Root – Major third – Diminished Fifth
Example	C Diminished (C, E♭, G♭)

D. Augmented Chords

Augmented chords create tension, but unlike diminished chords, they produce a more open and ambiguous sound.

These chords build on the traditional triadic structure by raising the fifth note of a major triad by a half step.

This alteration gives them an unusual, almost dreamlike quality that adds drama and unpredictability to a musical passage.

NOTE: Augmented chords are constructed by combining the following intervals:

A root note
A major third
An augmented fifth

For example, a C augmented chord contains the notes C, E, and G-sharp. Here, C is the root, E is a major third above C, and G-sharp is an augmented fifth above C.

Similarly, an F augmented chord includes F, A, and C-sharp, with A as the major third and C-sharp as the augmented fifth.

While less common than major and minor chords, augmented chords appear in jazz, classical, and film music to enhance dramatic moments or signal unexpected harmonic shifts.

They are rarely used as standalone chords, but rather in transitions, modulations, or to add an unexpected twist, particularly in jazz and classical compositions.

Aspect	Details
Sound Quality	dissonant and sharp
Interval Structure	– Root – Major third – Augmented Fifth
Example	C Augmented (C, E, G#)

2. Types of Chords – Seventh Chords

Seventh chords add an extra layer of complexity and color to basic triads, creating richer harmonic textures.

Each seventh chord consists of four notes: a root, a third, a fifth, and a seventh.

Different types of seventh chords offer unique sounds and functions in music.

A. Major Seventh Chords

A major seventh chord combines a major triad (root, major third, perfect fifth) with an added major seventh.

Example: A C major seventh chord (Cmaj7) contains the notes C, E, G, and B where note B is the major seventh.

Aspect	Details
Sound Quality	Lush, dreamy
Interval Structure	– Root – Major third – Perfect fifth – Major seventh
Example	C Major Seventh (C, E, G, B)

This chord has a rich, dreamy sound, often used in jazz, R&B, soft ballads, and film scores to evoke feelings of calmness, beauty, and sophistication.

B. Minor Seventh Chords

A minor seventh chord consists of a minor triad (root, minor third, perfect fifth) with an added minor seventh.

Example: A C minor seventh chord (Cm7) contains the notes C, C, Eb, G, B♭, where note B♭ is the minor seventh.

Aspect	Details
Sound Quality	Smooth, mellow
Interval Structure	– Root – Minor third – Perfect fifth – Minor seventh
Example	C Minor Seventh (C, E♭, G, B♭)

This chord has a softer, more relaxed quality than a pure minor chord.

It is commonly used in jazz, blues, and ballads to create smooth, flowing progressions with a touch of sadness or introspection.

C. Dominant Seventh Chords

Dominant seventh chords introduce tension that naturally resolves to the tonic chord.

They are built from a major triad with an added minor seventh.

Example: A C dominant seventh chord (C7) contains the notes C, E, G, B♭, where note B♭ is a minor seventh.

Aspect	Details
Sound Quality	Tense, unresolved
Interval Structure	– Root – Major third – Perfect fifth – Minor seventh
Example	C Dominant Seventh (C, E, G, B♭)

These chords create a strong sense of tension and are essential in functional harmony, often resolving to the tonic (I) chord.

They are widely used in blues, jazz, and classical music.

D. Diminished Seventh Chords

A diminished seventh chord, also called a fully diminished seventh chord, builds on a diminished triad by adding a diminished seventh.

Example: A C fully diminished seventh chord (Cdim7) contains the notes C, E♭, G♭, B♭♭ or A where note B♭♭ or A is the diminished seventh.

Aspect	Details
Sound Quality	Dissonant, dramatic
Interval Structure	– Root – Minor third – Diminished fifth – Diminished seventh
Example	C Diminished Seventh (C, E♭, G♭, B♭♭ or A)

These highly unstable chords generate intense suspense and dramatic tension. They are used sparingly in many genres, often resolving to a more stable chord to create a powerful sense of movement.

3. Types of Chords – Suspended Chords

Suspended chords (commonly called “sus chords“) stand out for their distinctive sound and versatility.

Instead of following the traditional triadic structure, these chords replace the third— which determines whether a chord is major or minor— with either the second or fourth degree of the scale.

This substitution creates harmonic ambiguity, giving suspended chords their characteristic open and unresolved quality.

There are two main types of suspended chords: suspended second (sus2) and suspended fourth (sus4). Both variations feel incomplete and naturally resolve into a standard triad.

A. Suspended Second (sus2) Chords

A sus2 chord replaces the major third with a major second, resulting in a lighter, more spacious sound.

These chords consist of the root, major second, and perfect fifth.

For example, a Csus2 chord includes:

C (root)
D (major second above C)
G (perfect fifth above C)

Aspect	Details
Sound Quality	Light, airy, open
Interval Structure	– Root – Major second – Perfect fifth
Example	C sus2 chord (C, D, G)

Sus2 chords convey calmness, clarity, and simplicity. Their bright and spacious quality makes them ideal for creating uplifting or ethereal atmospheres.

They are commonly found in pop, rock, classical, and film music.

B. Suspended Fourth (sus4) Chords

A sus4 chord replaces the major third with a perfect fourth, creating a stronger sense of tension and anticipation than sus2 chords.

These chords consist of the root, perfect fourth, and perfect fifth.

For example, a Csus4 chord includes:

C (root)
F (perfect fourth above C)
G (perfect fifth above C)

Similarly, a Gsus4 chord contains:

G (root)
C (perfect fourth above G)
D (perfect fifth above G)

Aspect	Details
Sound Quality	Tense, unresolved, slightly darker
Interval Structure	– Root – Perfect fourth – Perfect fifth
Example	C sus4 chord (C, F, G)

The perfect fourth in sus4 chords introduces a more intense, unresolved quality compared to sus2 chords.

These chords are widely used in rock, pop, and folk music to build tension before resolving to a major or minor chord.

4. Types of Chords – Extended Chords

Extended chords build upon basic triads (root, third, and fifth) by incorporating additional tones, such as the seventh, ninth, eleventh, or thirteenth.

These extra notes create richer, more complex harmonies commonly found in jazz, funk, R&B, classical, and contemporary music.

While basic triads form the foundation of harmony, extended chords expand upon this by adding tones beyond the seventh, opening up new possibilities for creativity, complexity, and expression.

The most commonly used extended chords include:

Ninth Chord (9th)
Eleventh Chord (11th)
Thirteenth Chord (13th)

A. Ninth Chords

Ninth chords add the ninth note (equivalent to the second note but an octave higher) to a seventh chord. A ninth chord consists of:

Root
Major third
Perfect fifth
Minor seventh
Major ninth

For example, a C dominant ninth (C9) chord contains C, E, G, B♭, and D.

C (root)
E (major third above C)
G (perfect fifth above C)
B♭ (minor seventh above C)
D (major ninth above C)

Ninth chords produce a smooth, jazzy sound and are frequently used in jazz, blues, and pop music, where they create a flowing and sophisticated harmonic quality.

B. Eleventh Chords

Eleventh chords extend a seventh chord by adding the eleventh note (equivalent to the fourth note but an octave higher).

A dominant eleventh (C11) chord consists of:

Root
Major third
Perfect fifth
Minor seventh
Major ninth
Perfect eleventh

For example, a C dominant eleventh (C11) chord contains C, E, G, B♭, D, and F.

C (root)
E (major third above C)
G (perfect fifth above C)
B♭ (minor seventh above C)
D (major ninth above C)
F (perfect eleventh above C)

Since the major third (E) and perfect eleventh (F) create strong dissonance, the major third is often omitted to reduce tension.

As a result, the simplified C11 chord consists of C, G, B♭, D, and F.

Eleventh chords have a lush, atmospheric quality and are widely used in jazz and gospel music to add depth and harmonic richness.

C. Thirteenth Chords

Thirteenth chords extend a seventh chord by adding the thirteenth (equivalent to the sixth note but an octave higher). A dominant thirteenth (C13) chord consists of:

Root
Major third
Perfect fifth
Minor seventh
Major ninth
Perfect eleventh
Major thirteenth

Since the perfect eleventh (F) often creates unnecessary dissonance, it is commonly omitted, along with the perfect fifth.

For example, a C dominant thirteenth (C13) chord contains C, E, G, B♭, D, and A.

C (root)
E (major third above C)
G (perfect fifth above C)
B♭ (minor seventh above C)
D (major ninth above C)
A (major thirteenth above C)

Thirteenth chords offer a rich, expansive sound, making them a staple in jazz and film scores.

Their harmonic complexity adds warmth and color to jazz, soul, and cinematic music.

How to Use Chords in Music and Songwriting

Effective chord use in music and songwriting blends technical knowledge with creative intuition.

Chords form the harmonic foundation of a piece, shaping its mood, structure, and emotional impact. Here’s how to use chords effectively:

1. Understand Chords’ Role

Chords are groups of notes played simultaneously, creating harmony that supports melodies and lyrics. In songwriting, chords:

Establish tonality: Major chords create brightness and happiness, while minor chords evoke sadness or introspection.
Create tension and resolution: Dissonant chords build anticipation, resolving into consonance for satisfaction.
Define progressions: A chord sequence (progression) guides the listener through a song’s emotional journey.

2. Start with Basic Progressions

Familiarize yourself with common chord progressions—the building blocks of most songs:

I–IV–V (e.g., C–F–G): Found in countless pop, rock, and folk songs; provides stability and energy.
vi–IV–I–V (e.g., Am–F–C–G): Widely used in modern pop and ballads.
ii–V–I (e.g., Dm7–G7–Cmaj7): A jazz staple, creating smooth, flowing motion.

Experiment with these progressions to develop your ear and understand their emotional effects.

3. Match Chords to Mood

Chord choice directly influences a song’s emotional tone:

Major Chords: Bright, uplifting, optimistic (e.g., use in choruses for excitement or triumph).
Minor Chords: Darker, melancholic, introspective (e.g., use in verses or bridges for vulnerability or longing).
Diminished/Augmented Chords: Add tension or drama (e.g., place before a major or minor chord for dramatic effect).
Seventh Chords: Provide complexity and richness (e.g., use in jazz-influenced sections or to soften transitions).

4. Experiment with Inversions

Inversions rearrange chord notes, altering the sound without changing the function.

A “C major” chord (C–E–G) can be inverted to E–G–C (first inversion) or G–C–E (second inversion). Inversions smooth voice leading (movement between chords) and add variety, especially useful when accompanying melodies.

5. Create Contrast Between Sections

Vary harmonic content between song sections to maintain listener engagement:

Verse: Use simpler, more subdued progressions to focus on lyrics.
Chorus: Introduce fuller, more dynamic chords to emphasize the main idea.
Bridge: Incorporate unexpected chords or modulations for surprise and interest.

For example, if your verse uses I–V–vi–IV, try IV–vi–iii–V in the bridge for contrast

Final Note

Chords are the foundation of nearly every musical style, shaping everything from simple folk melodies to grand orchestral symphonies.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced musician, understanding different types of chords is essential for mastering music theory and enhancing your playing or composition skills.

By exploring the various chord types discussed here, musicians can craft meaningful pieces that evoke specific emotions and moods.

From basic major and minor chords to more complex suspended, diminished, and extended chords, each type offers a unique sound and emotional impact.

The right choice of chords can transform a composition, making it more memorable and emotionally resonant—whether you’re writing a simple pop song or a complex jazz piece.

For example, Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” relies on minor chords to create a somber, reflective mood, while Miles Davis’ “So What” uses modal interchange with dominant and minor seventh chords to establish its iconic jazz groove.

So, experiment with these chords, explore their possibilities, and let them inspire new musical discoveries.

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