Understanding the different types of chords is fundamental to becoming a better musician. This guide explains every chord type you’ll encounter, from basic triads to complex extended harmonies.
Triads (3-Note Chords)
Triads are the simplest chords, built from three notes stacked in 3rds.
Major Triad
Formula: Root – Major 3rd – Perfect 5th
Sound: Happy, bright, resolved
Example: C major = C – E – G
Symbol: C, Cmaj
Minor Triad
Formula: Root – Minor 3rd – Perfect 5th
Sound: Sad, dark, emotional
Example: Am = A – C – E
Symbol: Am, Amin
Diminished Triad
Formula: Root – Minor 3rd – Diminished 5th
Sound: Tense, unstable, dramatic
Example: Bdim = B – D – F
Symbol: Bdim, B°
Augmented Triad
Formula: Root – Major 3rd – Augmented 5th
Sound: Mysterious, dreamy, unresolved
Example: Caug = C – E – G#
Symbol: Caug, C+
7th Chords (4-Note Chords)
Add a 7th interval to any triad to create a 7th chord.
Dominant 7th
Formula: Major triad + Minor 7th
Sound: Bluesy, wants to resolve
Example: G7 = G – B – D – F
Used in: Blues, rock, country, jazz
Major 7th
Formula: Major triad + Major 7th
Sound: Dreamy, lush, sophisticated
Example: Cmaj7 = C – E – G – B
Used in: Jazz, bossa nova, R&B
Minor 7th
Formula: Minor triad + Minor 7th
Sound: Smooth, mellow, cool
Example: Am7 = A – C – E – G
Used in: Jazz, funk, soul, R&B
Diminished 7th
Formula: Diminished triad + Diminished 7th
Sound: Extremely tense, dramatic
Example: Bdim7 = B – D – F – Ab
Used in: Classical, jazz, dramatic transitions
Half-Diminished 7th
Formula: Diminished triad + Minor 7th
Sound: Dark but less tense than full diminished
Example: Bm7b5 = B – D – F – A
Used in: Jazz (the “ii” chord in minor keys)
Suspended Chords
Suspended chords replace the 3rd with either the 2nd or 4th, creating an “unresolved” sound.
Sus2
Formula: Root – Major 2nd – Perfect 5th
Example: Csus2 = C – D – G
Sound: Open, airy, modern
Sus4
Formula: Root – Perfect 4th – Perfect 5th
Example: Csus4 = C – F – G
Sound: Tension that wants to resolve to major
Extended Chords
Built by stacking 3rds beyond the 7th.
9th Chords
Add the 9th (same as the 2nd, one octave up). C9 = C – E – G – Bb – D.
11th Chords
Add the 11th (same as the 4th). C11 = C – E – G – Bb – D – F.
13th Chords
Add the 13th (same as the 6th). C13 = C – E – G – Bb – D – F – A.
Add Chords
“Add” chords include an extra note without the 7th:
Add9
Formula: Major triad + 9th (no 7th)
Example: Cadd9 = C – E – G – D
Sound: Bright, jangly — very popular in pop/rock
Add11
Formula: Major triad + 11th
Used in: Folk, indie
6th Chords
Major 6th
Formula: Major triad + Major 6th
Example: C6 = C – E – G – A
Sound: Vintage, jazzy
Minor 6th
Formula: Minor triad + Major 6th
Example: Cm6 = C – Eb – G – A
Which Types Should You Learn First?
1. Major and minor triads — The foundation
2. Dominant 7ths — Essential for blues and transitions
3. Sus2 and sus4 — Easy to play, add color
4. Major 7th and minor 7th — For more sophisticated sounds
5. Diminished and augmented — For passing chords and drama
6. Extended chords — As your playing matures