Author name: Liam Turner

Suspended chords replace a triad’s third with either the second or fourth scale degree. The sus2 chord formula is 1–2–5, […]

An augmented chord contains a root, major third, and raised fifth. Its formula is 1–3–♯5, so C augmented is C–E–G♯.

The diminished chord formula is 1–♭3–♭5: a root, minor third, and diminished fifth. For example, C diminished contains C–E♭–G♭. Its

The minor 7th chord formula is 1–♭3–5–♭7. Starting from any root note, combine a minor third, perfect fifth, and minor

The major 7th chord formula is 1–3–5–7: the root, major third, perfect fifth, and major seventh of a major scale.

The dominant 7th chord formula is 1–3–5–♭7: a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh. For example, C7 contains

The minor chord formula is 1–♭3–5: the root, a minor third, and a perfect fifth. In semitones, those notes sit

The major chord formula is 1–3–5: the root, major third, and perfect fifth of a major scale. In semitones from