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Chord library

Piano chords chart

Piano chords with keyboard diagrams: 20 chord types in all 12 keys, in root position and inversions, two-hand voicings for ninth to thirteenth chords, and a realistic piano sound.

  • 240 chords
  • Inversions
  • Listen to every chord
Hands on an upright piano, with warm lights
Photo: Isaac Martin, Unsplash

First chords to learn on piano

With these you can play most beginner songs.

Basic chords on piano

Sus and power chords on piano

Sixth and add chords on piano

Diminished and augmented on piano

Ninths, elevenths, thirteenths on piano

Frequently asked questions

How is a piano chord built?

Stack thirds up from the root: a major chord is a major third plus a minor third (C–E–G), a minor chord a minor third plus a major third (A–C–E). A seventh chord adds one more third on top.

What are inversions for?

They are the same notes in a different order. Choosing the nearest inversion when you change chords keeps your hand still and makes the sound smoother – this is voice leading.

Which fingers should I use?

For triads, the right hand usually uses 1–3–5 (thumb, middle, little finger) and the left hand 5–3–1. For four-note chords, right hand 1–2–3–5.

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Photos: Isak Photography, 42 North, Rachel Loughman, Vitaly Gariev, Vitaly Gariev, Isaac Martin / Unsplash