Chords are the building blocks of music, and understanding how they're constructed can help you become a better musician, songwriter, and improviser. In this article, we'll explore the fundamentals of chord construction.

What is a Chord?

A chord is a harmonic combination of three or more notes played simultaneously. The most basic type of chord is the triad, which consists of three notes:

• The root - the note that gives the chord its name
• The third - which determines if the chord is major or minor
• The fifth - which adds stability to the chord

Major vs. Minor Chords

The difference between major and minor chords lies in the third:

Extended Chords

Beyond triads, we can add more notes to create richer chords:

• 7th chords: Add the 7th note of the scale (e.g., C7 = C - E - G - B♭)
• Major 7th: Add the major 7th (e.g., Cmaj7 = C - E - G - B)
• 9th chords: Add the 9th (which is the same as the 2nd an octave higher)
• Suspended chords: Replace the 3rd with either the 2nd (sus2) or 4th (sus4)

Chord progressions are sequences of chords that create the harmonic foundation of a song. Certain progressions appear repeatedly in popular music across genres. Learning these essential progressions will give you a solid foundation for songwriting and improvisation.

The I-IV-V Progression

This is perhaps the most common progression in Western music, especially in blues, rock, and pop. In the key of C major:

This progression forms the basis of countless songs, from "La Bamba" to "Twist and Shout." The V chord creates tension that naturally resolves back to the I chord.

The ii-V-I Progression

Fundamental in jazz but also common in pop music, this progression offers a smoother resolution than I-IV-V. In C major:

The ii chord acts as a softer approach to the dominant V chord. This progression often appears in jazz standards and more sophisticated pop songs.

The I-V-vi-IV Progression

This modern pop progression has been used in hundreds of hit songs. In C major:

Examples include "Let It Be" by The Beatles, "Someone Like You" by Adele, and "With or Without You" by U2. The vi chord adds emotional depth compared to the I-IV-V.

The 12-Bar Blues

A cornerstone of blues and early rock 'n' roll, this progression typically uses dominant 7th chords:

In C: C7 - C7 - C7 - C7 / F7 - F7 - C7 - C7 / G7 - F7 - C7 - G7

Playing chords on the piano isn't just about pressing the right notes—it's about how you arrange those notes across the keyboard. Different voicings can make the same chord sound thin or rich, simple or sophisticated. Here are essential piano voicing techniques every beginner should know.

Root Position

The most basic voicing is root position, where the notes of the chord are stacked in order:

While clear and strong, root position can sound basic if overused. It's most effective when you want a solid, direct sound.

Inversions

Inversions rearrange the chord so a different note is at the bottom:

Inversions create smoother transitions between chords and add variety to your playing.

Open Voicings

Open voicings spread the chord notes across the keyboard, often skipping octaves:

This creates a fuller, more resonant sound. Open voicings are essential for ballad playing and more sophisticated arrangements.

Left Hand Patterns

Combine different left hand techniques with right hand chords:

• Root-5th: Play the root and fifth in the left hand (C-G) while playing the full chord in the right
• Root-7th: For 7th chords, play root and 7th in left hand (C-B♭ for C7)
• Walking Bass: Move between chord tones to create motion