Build a chord from its notes
A basic triad contains three notes. C major uses C–E–G, F major uses F–A–C, and G major uses G–B–D. Find each note before playing them together. The explorer below shows one octave; some chords reach into the next octave.
Hear major and minor
A minor uses A–C–E. Compare its sound with C major using the explorer. Words such as bright or reflective can help describe your impression, but a chord’s feeling also depends on rhythm, register and the music around it.
Practise the move, not the whole song
Try C major followed by F major. Pause between the chords. Identify the destination notes, place your hand, then play. If the move is awkward, work on only that transition rather than repeating an entire song. Accuracy at a slow pace gives you something useful to build on.
Understand inversions
C–E–G, E–G–C and G–C–E use the same pitch names in different orders. These are inversions of C major. The upper C or E may sit in the next octave. Inversions can reduce hand travel in a progression, but they are not automatically easier for every pair of chords.
Try an original four-chord loop
Use C major, A minor, F major and G major. Hold each chord for four slow counts. Stop to reset when needed. This is an original practice loop, not a specific song arrangement or a claim about a course lesson. When the changes become comfortable, try two counts per chord.
A SMALL THING TO TRY
Hear your first chords.
Choose a chord. Notice which notes light up, then press play to hear them together.
C major · C, E, G
Sound starts only when you press play.
Illustrative chord voicings · Use a comfortable listening volume