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 show both sharp and flat enharmonic names?

Many notes have two equivalent names (e.g. F# and Gb). The tool displays the sharp name by default, which is common in music theory. Both names refer to the same pitch.

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.

Chord Finder

Name: Chord Finder
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

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

Build a Chord

Root Note

Chord Quality

Chord Tones

C Major

Interval Breakdown

Degree	Interval	Semitones	Note

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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: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed by Nham Vu