Basic major and minor chords use three notes.
Chord chart
Piano chords chart
A piano chords chart shows the notes that build each chord. The first beginner chords to learn are major and minor triads, which use three notes.
C4D4E4F4G4A4B4C5D5E5
C#4D#4F#4G#4A#4C#5D#5Triads use the first, third, and fifth notes of a scale.
Begin with major and minor chord sounds.
How to read a chord chart
Find the chord name, read the three note names, then place those notes on the keyboard together.
Major versus minor
Major chords usually sound brighter. Minor chords usually sound darker because the middle note is lowered by a half step.
Practice with shapes
Instead of memorizing isolated letters only, notice the physical spacing between the notes on the keyboard.
Beginner piano chords
| Chord | Notes | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| C major | C E G | Major |
| D minor | D F A | Minor |
| E minor | E G B | Minor |
| F major | F A C | Major |
| G major | G B D | Major |
| A minor | A C E | Minor |
FAQ
Quick answers
What piano chords should beginners learn first?
Start with C major, G major, F major, A minor, D minor, and E minor.
How many notes are in a basic piano chord?
A basic triad has three notes.
How do I practice chord recognition?
Listen to a chord, identify the lowest note, then decide whether the middle note makes the chord major or minor.