How Chords Are Formed

• Every chord on the keyboard consists of a root note and one or more harmonically related note. The root note is the name of the chord. For example, C is the root note of the chord C7. The other notes of the chord are determined by the type of chord -- such as major or minor -- and the number of semitones between them and the root note. A semitone is the distance between A and A-sharp or B and C, for example. On the keyboard, a semitone is the distance between two consecutive keys.
  
  

Major Chords

• You can play any major chord by playing the root note, and the notes that are four and seven semitones above the root note. For example, to play C major, play C, E and G. The easiest way to create this chord on the piano is to first place the index finger of your right hand on any key. Place your middle finger on the key that is four keys up from the root and your ring finger three keys up from your middle finger. Count every white and black key. Every major chord is formed by following this pattern.
  
  

Minor and Seventh Chords

• Minor chords consist of the root note, and the notes that are three and seven semitones above the root note. For example, C minor consists of notes C, E-flat and G. Seventh chords consist of the root note, and the notes that are four semitones, seven semitones and 10 semitones above the root. For example, the chord C7 consists of notes C, E, G and B-flat. The easiest way to make a seventh chord is to first make a major chord and then place a finger three keys up from the highest note of the major chord.
  
  

Inversions

• Inverted chords are chords that are not played in root position. Instead, the root note is played an octave, or 12 semitones, above where you normally play it; and one of the other notes becomes the bottom, or lowest, note. For example, an inverted C major is played with either E or G as the bottom note. If you are playing a piece of music, an inverted chord might be denoted by "C/E" or "C/G," for example. The first note is the root note and the second is the bottom note. When E is the bottom note of the C chord, only the root note moves up an octave. When G is the bottom note, E also moves up an octave. Any chord can be inverted.
  
  

Learning Strategies

• Learn the basic chords first, such as major, minor and seventh chords. Memorize the way your hand looks and feels as you make each chord. This allows you to quickly make chords without counting keys. Create a chart that displays the different types of chords, such as major and minor, and the number of semitones between the root note and each of the other notes. Hang the chart above your keyboard, so you can refer to it as you learn new chords and songs.