How the finder works
A chord is not just a keyboard shape. Its spelling communicates interval function. The finder combines a root with the interval pattern for the selected quality, then names the resulting tones. This matters because two keys that sound alike in equal temperament can have different written roles. Predicting the letters first helps prevent accidental misspellings.
Two worked examples
- C major is C–E–G. From C, E is the third and G is the fifth. Lowering only the third gives C minor: C–E♭–G.
- Cmaj7 is C–E–G–B, while C7 is C–E–G–B♭. The labels are similar, but the seventh differs by one semitone and changes the chord quality.
Practise beyond the lookup
Say the root, third, fifth, and seventh roles aloud. Play the notes as a blocked chord, then separately. Move the lowest note upward to hear an inversion while retaining the same pitch classes. Next, compare two nearby qualities and identify the note that changes. This connects symbol reading, keyboard geography, spelling, and sound.
Limits
The displayed voicing is an example, not required fingering. Music may omit a fifth, double a tone, spread notes between hands, or place a different chord tone in the bass. A symbol can also depend on key and surrounding harmony. Use the finder to verify ingredients, then choose voicing, register, doubling, and fingering for the passage.
| Symbol | Notes | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| C | C E G | major third |
| Cm | C E♭ G | minor third |
| C7 | C E G B♭ | dominant seventh |
| Cmaj7 | C E G B | major seventh |
Sources
- Open Music Theory: Triads — Reference for chord construction.
- Open Music Theory: Seventh Chords — Reference for seventh qualities.