How are chord notes calculated?

Each chord quality is defined by a set of semitone intervals from the root. For example, a major chord uses intervals 0, 4, and 7 semitones. The tool adds each interval to the root note to find the chord tones.

What is the difference between a major 7th and a dominant 7th chord?

A dominant 7th chord (e.g. G7) uses a minor 7th interval (10 semitones from the root), giving it a tense sound. A major 7th chord (e.g. Gmaj7) uses a major 7th interval (11 semitones), producing a smoother, more sophisticated sound.

Why does the tool display sharp note names instead of flats?

Many notes have two names for the same piano key, such as F# and Gb. The tool always shows sharp names and lists the flat equivalent below the notes. In written music the spelling depends on the chord: F minor is F, Ab, C rather than F, G#, C, because each letter name is used once.

Does this work for all 12 keys?

Yes. All 12 chromatic root notes are supported (C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B), and you can combine any root with any chord quality.

Can I use this for guitar chords?

Absolutely. The chord tones shown here are the notes you need to play on guitar. This tool shows the theory; a guitar chord chart shows fingering positions for those notes on the fretboard.

Can I find the chord name from notes I am playing?

Not directly. This page goes from a chord name to its notes. To name a chord, take the lowest note as the root and compare your notes with the chord types here; if nothing matches, try another note as the root, since the chord may be inverted.

Does it show guitar chord diagrams?

No. It shows the notes of the chord on a piano keyboard. On guitar, any fingering that plays those notes forms the chord, so you can take a shape from a chord chart and check its notes here.

Chord Finder

Select a root note and chord quality to instantly see all the notes that make up that chord.

Pick a root note and a chord type to see the notes on a piano keyboard.

Build a Chord

Root Note

Chord Quality

Chord Tones

C Major

Interval Breakdown

Degree	Interval	Semitones	Note

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Quick answer

Pick a root note and a chord type to see the notes on a piano keyboard. C major is C, E and G (0, 4 and 7 semitones above the root). Adding a minor 7th gives C7: C, E, G and A#, which is written Bb in music. Sharp names are used, with the flat name shown next to them.

Examples

Chord	Notes	Semitones from root
C major (C)	C E G	0 4 7
A minor (Am)	A C E	0 3 7
G dominant 7th (G7)	G B D F	0 4 7 10
C major 7th (Cmaj7)	C E G B	0 4 7 11
D minor 7th (Dm7)	D F A C	0 3 7 10
B diminished (Bdim)	B D F	0 3 6
D suspended 4th (Dsus4)	D G A	0 5 7

Pick a root note and chord type.

Summary

Select a root note and chord quality to instantly see all the notes that make up that chord.

How it works

Select a root note from the chromatic scale (C through B, including sharps).
Choose a chord quality: major, minor, diminished, augmented, dominant 7th, major 7th, or minor 7th.
The tool applies the correct interval formula (e.g. major = root + major 3rd + perfect 5th).
All chord tones are displayed on an interactive piano keyboard diagram.
Copy the note list to use in your DAW, sheet music, or practice session.

Use cases

Quickly look up the notes of an unfamiliar chord during a jam session.
Learn music theory by exploring how different chord qualities are constructed.
Identify which notes to play on piano or guitar for any chord symbol.
Compose chord progressions by understanding the notes available in each chord.
Cross-reference chord tones when arranging for multiple instruments.
Study the difference between chord types (e.g. major vs. dominant 7th).
Teach music students the interval structure of chords visually.
Transpose a chord to a new root and see the new note names instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-05-29 · Reviewed by Nham Vu