The four basic piano triads are major, minor, diminished and augmented. Each formula tells you how to build a three-note chord from a root: a third and a fifth, with their interval qualities determining the sound. Learn the formulas once and you can work out chords in any key instead of memorizing separate keyboard shapes.
What are the four piano chord formulas?
A triad is a three-note chord formed by stacking two thirds. The formulas below describe the notes by scale degree and by interval above the root:
| Triad quality | Scale-degree formula | Intervals above root | Example from C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major | 1–3–5 | Major third + perfect fifth | C–E–G |
| Minor | 1–♭3–5 | Minor third + perfect fifth | C–E♭–G |
| Diminished | 1–♭3–♭5 | Minor third + diminished fifth | C–E♭–G♭ |
| Augmented | 1–3–♯5 | Major third + augmented fifth | C–E–G♯ |
The numbers refer to scale degrees counted from the root. For example, 1–♭3–5 means the root, a lowered third and a fifth. The interval version says how far each note lies from the root: a major third is four half steps, a minor third is three, a perfect fifth is seven, a diminished fifth is six and an augmented fifth is eight. See Piano.org’s chord construction guide for the interval-based approach.
On a piano, enharmonic spellings can refer to the same physical key. The notes are spelled in the table to show each chord’s interval structure, not simply to match the most familiar key names.
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How to build a triad from any root
- Choose the root. This is the note named by the chord, such as C in C minor or F in F diminished.
- Apply the formula. Count the required intervals from the root, or use the degrees relative to the root’s major scale.
- Spell the notes correctly. Use the appropriate letter names and accidentals to show the third and fifth in relation to the root.
- Find and play those pitches. Locate each note on the keyboard; the formula determines the notes, not a particular octave or hand position.
Example: C minor
C minor is 1–♭3–5: C is the root, E♭ is the lowered third and G is the fifth. The notes are C–E♭–G.
Example: F diminished
F diminished is 1–♭3–♭5: F, A♭ and C♭. C♭ is enharmonic with the piano key commonly labeled B, but writing C♭ preserves the chord’s spelling as a fifth above F.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Formula, chart or chord symbol: which reference should you use?
These reference formats serve different purposes. A formula teaches construction, a chart helps with lookup, and a chord symbol communicates the intended harmony compactly.
| Reference | What it gives you | Useful for transposing? | What it shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula | A reusable interval or scale-degree rule measured from a root | Yes. Apply the same pattern to a new root | How to construct the chord |
| Chord chart | A collection of chord types and their notes across roots | Helpful as a lookup, but it does not replace understanding the pattern | Spelled-out examples; the cited Piano.org chord chart covers 23 types across 12 roots, or 276 entries, with links to individual chord pages |
| Chord symbol or lead sheet | A compact label for root and chord quality | It identifies the chord; the player works out its notes and placement | The chord name, not one required piano voicing or octave |
Common symbols include a bare root for major, m for minor, dim or ° for diminished, and aug or + for augmented. For example, C, Cm, Cdim and Caug identify the four triad qualities built on C. A lead sheet uses such labels to indicate the harmony while leaving voicing and octave placement to the performer. See Piano.org’s piano chord-symbol guide and the University of Puget Sound guide to lead-sheet symbols.
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- Essential Reference: This laminated chart displays the most common piano chords in an easy-to-read format. Chords are shown for both left and right hands.
- Durable Construction: Reinforced lamination protects the chart from damage for long-lasting use. It's made to withstand years of use on or near any piano or keyboard.
- All Key Signatures: Chords for all major and minor keys are included, making it simple to play songs in any key. Major, minor, augmented and diminished chords are covered.
- Convenient Sizing: Measuring 11x17 inches, the chart is large enough for easy reading yet compact enough to fit on any music stand, piano, or wall.
- Beginner Friendly: Whether just starting out or looking to improve chord skills, this chart makes learning piano chords straightforward and accessible.
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