The Sequence of Learning Chords at the Piano

It can be overwhelming to consider learning chords at the piano, But there's actually a logical sequence to learning them. Also non-traditional piano students are in a very unique position as opposed to traditional piano students.

As you may know, traditional piano instruction has always centered on reading music from the very beginning. And you're discouraged from deviating from the written piece of music.

But the non-traditional chord playing student has a far easier task by playing music in the context of chords. So it stands to reason the highest objective for the chord player is to be very well versed in chords.  So learning chords at the Piano should be a top priority.

It's much easier than you think learning chords at the piano.  Did I mention it's rewarding and a lot of fun? Let me put it another way. The fastest way to progress at learning to play the piano is to have an understanding of harmony and develop the skills to execute on the piano.

There's actually a logical sequence of learning chords at the piano and I'm going to share them with you in this article.

I'm going to assume that at the very least you know the notes on the keyboard. So I won't cover those, but I stress to you that it's absolutely essential to know your keyboard notes to the point of instant recognition. Let's get started!

Major Chords

The bread and butter chords in music are Major Chords. They're the king of all chords. If you only knew the 3 primary chords (most used chords) in any Major key, you could play virtually any popular song ever written.

A Major chord consist of the Root, 3rd and 5th tones. There are 12 Major chords and it's easy to construct a Major chord based on any note on the keyboard.

For example, to find C Major, choose the RootThen count up 3 half steps (3 keys) from C to E. This is also known as a Major 3rd interval.Then count up 2 half steps (2 keys) from E to G. This is also known as a Minor 3rd interval.This formula works for all 12 Major Chords. This is absolutely the first step you should take to learning chords.

Minor Chords

Minor chords are also bread and butter chords and are a contrast to Major chords. Going from Major to minor chords is as easy as moving one note a half step. The 3rd (middle note) of the chord is the tone that defines whether a chord is Major or minor. A minor chord consist of a Root, minor 3rd and 5th tones. There are 12 minor chords and it's easy to construct a minor chord based on any note on the keyboard.

To transition a Major chord to minor, simply lower the middle note a half step.This formula works for all 12 minor Chords. This is the second step you should take in learning chords.

Diminished Chords

Diminished chords are often utilized to support Major and minor chords. They're played minimally but can really add to a song. They're constructed by combining one interval found in the Major chord and one in the minor chord.

If you combine two minor 3rd intervals (2 half steps), you'll have a diminished chord.

Augmented chords

Augmented chords exist to create tension and anticipation for what chord will come next making the song more interesting. They're also constructed by combining one interval found in the Major chord and one in the minor chord.

If you combine two Major 3rd intervals, you'll have an augmented chord.

Suspended chords

Suspended chords have an element of tension that calls for a feeling of resolution. The 3rd of the chord is suspended for another tone until it resolves or moves to another chord.

Also known as "sus" chords, you have a sus 2 in which the 2nd is played in place of the 3rd.You also have a sus 4 in which the 4th is played in place of the 3rd.

Major 7th Chords

Major 7th chords are extended chords. In other words they contain a note that is extended beyond simple triads. They're known as "color tones" because they add color to simple triads. Major 7th chords are among the most common extended chords. They simply consist of adding the 7th tone in a Major key to a Major triad.

Dominant 7th chords

Dominant 7th chords are also extended chords for the same reason as Major 7th chords. They also add color to Major triads but in a different way. They add dissonance and are indicative of a bluesy sound. They have a strong pull to the I chord in a piece of music. They're constructed by adding a flatted 7th tone to a Major triad.

Minor 7th chords

Minor 7th chords are almost identical to dominant 7th chords, but instead are minor chords that include the flatted 7th tone. They don't have the dissonance of dominant 7th chords. And unlike dominant 7th chords, they have a more consonant darker and smoother sound.

9th Chords

9th chords are dominant chords that include the 9th tone. The flatted 7th tone is implied so it's automatically included in the chord. This is also a color tone and further adds color quality to a chord. If added to a Major triad without the flatted 7th, it's simply an add2 chord.The 9th can also be added to a minor 7th chord making it a minor 9 chord.

11th Chords

11th chords are extended chords which include the 11th tone. The 11th is not a color tone. It gives a suspended quality to a chord just as you find with a sus4. In fact, the 11th is the same tone as the 4th. The only distinguishing difference is the added flatted 7th denotes the chord as an 11th chord. When the chord includes an 11th tone, the 3rd is omitted.13th chords

13th chords are extended chords which include the 13th tone. The 13th is a color tone and is the highest extended tone. The flatted 7th tone is implied so it's automatically included in the chord. In fact, the 13th is the same tone as the 6th. The only distinguishing difference is the added flatted 7th denotes the chord as a 13th chord.

Altered chords

An altered chord is one in which the 9th, 5th, 11th, or 13th can be raised or lowered in any combination. Altered chords create tension and interest in a piece of music. They can be Major or minor and almost always include a Major or a flatted 7th tone. These types of chords aren't prevalent in a song, but definitely add spice to a piece of music. The key to making these chords sound good in a song is to "voice" (arrange the notes) them in a way that complements the chord(s) that succeed them.