The circle of fifths is a map of every key in music. Tap any key below to see its key signature, its relative major or minor, its closest neighbors and the chords that belong to it, and hear how they sound.

What Is a Circle of Fifths Chart?

A circle of fifths chart arranges the 12 keys of Western music in a circle, with each key a perfect fifth away from the next. It’s one of the most useful visual aids in music theory, giving you a quick reference for:

• Key signatures (sharps and flats)
• Relative major and minor keys
• Harmonic relationships between keys
• Chord progression possibilities
• Transposing between keys

Moving clockwise adds one sharp at a time (C, G, D, A, E, B, F♯), and moving counterclockwise adds one flat at a time (F, B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭). C major and A minor sit at the top because they have no sharps or flats. At the bottom, three keys have two names that sound the same, like F♯ and G♭.

How to Read the Circle

Outer ring: major keys. Inner ring: each major key’s relative minor, which shares the same key signature. Center numbers: how many sharps or flats that key signature has.

The keys on either side of any key are its closest relatives. In C major, F is on one side (the IV chord) and G is on the other (the V chord). Together with their relative minors, those six keys are the ones music most often moves between, and the interactive chart highlights them for whichever key you choose.

Practical Uses for a Circle of Fifths Chart

Purpose	How it helps
Identify key signatures	Quickly see the sharps or flats in any key
Understand harmony	Learn which chords naturally fit together
Transpose songs	Move music to a new key with confidence
Compose music	Find related keys for smooth key changes
Improvise	Build progressions from chords in the same key

Why Visual Learners Love the Circle of Fifths

Music theory can feel abstract when it’s only explained in words or memorized by rote. The circle of fifths turns key relationships into a picture you can see, and hearing the chords makes it stick. At Canton Music Academy we use it in lessons to help students break down songs, understand scales and intervals, and build theory knowledge that lasts.

Download Your Free Printable Circle of Fifths Chart

Want a copy for your practice space or lesson binder? Our clean, easy-to-read circle of fifths PDF highlights C major and A minor and labels the scale degrees, so it’s great for students, teachers and musicians alike.

⬇ Download the free circle of fifths PDF

Circle of Fifths FAQ

Why is it called the circle of fifths?

Because each key is a perfect fifth above the one before it as you move clockwise. After 12 steps you arrive back where you started, completing the circle.

Does the circle of fifths apply to all instruments?

Yes. Piano, guitar, brass, woodwinds and voice all use the same keys, so the chart works for any instrument.

How is this different from a key signature chart?

A key signature chart lists the sharps or flats in each key. The circle of fifths also shows how keys relate to each other, which makes it more useful for harmony, songwriting and transposing.

What is a relative minor?

Every major key has a relative minor that uses the same notes and key signature. It starts on the 6th note of the major scale; for example, the relative minor of C major is A minor.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Start by learning the order of sharps and flats, then use the chart to find the chords in songs you’re learning.

Can I use this in my music classroom?

Of course. Teachers are welcome to print the PDF and share this page with students.

Ready to put keys and chords together? Build and print your own progressions with our free Chord Progression Builder, look up any chord with the Chord Spelling Calculator, or work with a teacher in our music lessons in Canton.

Understanding the foundations of music theory can transform your guitar playing. One of those foundations is the three-note pitch class set: the building block of triads, shell voicings and scale fragments. Pick any of the 19 sets below to see its shape on the pitch-class clock, hear it, transpose it and find it on the fretboard.

What Are Three-Note Pitch Classes?

A pitch class is every note with the same name, in any octave. Every C on the guitar, from the 5th string, 3rd fret to the 1st string, 8th fret, is the same pitch class. A three-note pitch class set is any group of three different pitch classes, like C, E and G.

Lay the 12 notes around a clock and every three-note set becomes a triangle. Moving the triangle around the clock is transposition: C major becomes D♭ major, D major and so on, but the shape never changes. That’s why the shape, not the note names, tells you what kind of sound you have.

Why There Are Exactly 19

There are 220 ways to choose three notes out of twelve. Group together every set that’s just a transposition of another and you’re left with exactly 19 unique shapes. Every three-note chord or melody fragment you’ll ever play is one of them.

Music theorists often go one step further and also treat a set and its mirror image (its inversion) as the same. Flip a major triad upside down and you get a minor triad, so major and minor become one family. Counted that way, the 19 shrink to 12 families. Switch the tool to “Mirror families” to see the pairs, or tap “Show mirror” on the clock.

The 19 Three-Note Pitch Class Sets

Set	On C	Mirror partner
Major triad (1-3-5)	C E G	Minor triad
Minor triad (1-♭3-5)	C E♭ G	Major triad
Diminished triad (1-♭3-♭5)	C E♭ G♭	Itself
Augmented triad (1-3-♯5)	C E G♯	Itself
Suspended 4th (1-4-5)	C F G	Itself
Suspended ♭2 (1-♭2-5)	C D♭ G	Suspended ♯4
Suspended ♯4 (1-♯4-5)	C F♯ G	Suspended ♭2
Major 7 no 5 (1-3-7)	C E B	1-3-4
Minor 7 no 5 (1-♭3-♭7)	C E♭ B♭	1-♭3-4
Dominant 7 no 5 (1-3-♭7)	C E B♭	1-3-♯4
1-3-4 (major scale)	C E F	Major 7 no 5
1-♭3-4 (minor scale)	C E♭ F	Minor 7 no 5
1-3-♯4 (Lydian)	C E F♯	Dominant 7 no 5
1-2-3 (major scale)	C D E	Itself
1-2-♭3 (minor scale)	C D E♭	1-♭2-♭3
1-♭2-♭3 (Phrygian)	C D♭ E♭	1-2-♭3
1-♭2-2 (chromatic)	C D♭ D	Itself
1-♭2-3 (Phrygian dominant)	C D♭ E	1-♭3-3
1-♭3-3 (blues)	C E♭ E	1-♭2-3

Some pairs are surprising. A major 7th shell (C E B) and the 1-3-4 fragment (C E F) don’t look related, but on the clock one is the other flipped over. Try it in the tool.

Applying Three-Note Pitch Classes to Guitar

On guitar, any three-note set can be played on three adjacent strings. The tool finds a compact shape on each string set, so you can hear how the same set sounds in different registers. Some examples:

• Major triad (C E G): open position, barre chords or small three-string triads anywhere on the neck.
• Minor triad (A C E): open A minor or movable shapes.
• Diminished triad (B D F): a passing chord that builds tension.
• Dominant 7 no 5 (G B F): the classic jazz and blues shell voicing.

Practicing these sets across the fretboard builds a deeper understanding of chord construction and voice leading. Use the fretboard map to see every place the three notes live, and switch between degrees and note names.

Why This Matters for Guitarists

• Improvisation: recognize chord tones and target them in your solos.
• Composition: build progressions and melodies with intentional harmonic color.
• Harmony: analyze songs and hear what’s underneath the chord symbols.

Knowing that there are only 19 shapes turns the fretboard from a sea of notes into a short list of patterns you can learn, hear and use.

Pitch Class FAQ

What is the difference between a pitch and a pitch class?

A pitch is one specific note, like middle C. A pitch class is all the C’s in every octave together. Pitch class sets ignore octave and order, so C E G, E G C and a spread-out C major chord are all the same set.

What is a Forte number?

Allen Forte catalogued every pitch class set. Three-note sets are numbered 3-1 to 3-12, one per mirror family. “A” and “B” mark the two mirror images in a pair, so the major triad is 3-11B and the minor triad is 3-11A.

What is prime form?

Prime form is a set written in its most compact version, starting on 0. Major and minor triads share the prime form (0 3 7), because they belong to the same mirror family.

Why are there only 4 augmented triads?

The augmented triad splits the octave into three equal major 3rds, so moving it up a major 3rd gives back the same notes. C augmented, E augmented and G♯ augmented all contain C, E and G♯.

by Henry Bahrou – Guitarist, Music Theorist, Music Academy Director

Keep exploring with our chord calculator, the interactive circle of fifths and modes. For a full breakdown of scales, chords and theory, see our Guitar Music Theory Guide, or take guitar lessons at Canton Music Academy. Book online in 3 easy steps!

If you’ve ever struggled to make sense of terms like tonic, dominant or submediant, you’re not alone. These traditional labels for the scale degree functions can feel abstract without a framework. One helpful way to remember them is metaphor: each scale degree is a place you visit in daily life, starting with the idea that the tonic is home.

Real-Life Metaphors for Scale Degree Functions

Degree	Name	Function	Place
1	Tonic	The tonal center; where everything begins and ends	🏠 Home
2	Supertonic	Often leads to the dominant; a step on the way	🛒 Grocery Store
3	Mediant	Between tonic and dominant; emotionally neutral	☕ Café
4	Subdominant	Pushes away from tonic; often leads to the dominant	🏫 School or Gym
5	Dominant	Full of tension; needs to resolve to tonic	💼 Work
6	Submediant	Emotional detour; relative minor of the tonic	🌳 Park
7	Leading Tone	Right before home; unstable and wants to resolve	🚪 Front Door

Why Scale Degree Functions Matter

In tonal music, scale degrees aren’t just positions. Each has a function: some pull the listener away from the tonal center, and others bring them back. Understanding these functions gives composers, improvisers and students a clear map of how music creates motion and resolution.

The dominant (5) wants to go home, like leaving work at the end of the day. The leading tone (7) is the front door: you’re right outside the tonic. The submediant (6) feels like a reflective walk through the park. Tap those places in the map above and listen to how each one pulls toward home.

The Three Function Groups

• Home base (tonic): 1, 3 and 6. Stable, restful places where a phrase can settle.
• Moving away (predominant): 2 and 4. They lead you out the door and toward tension.
• Tension (dominant): 5 and 7. They create the strongest pull back home.

Most chord progressions are journeys between these groups: home, out into the world, up to the point of greatest tension, and back home again. Try the “Take a trip” buttons to hear progressions like I – IV – V – I as a day out and back.

A Personal Metaphor (And Yours Might Be Different)

This location-based system is just one approach. You might come up with your own: a movie plot, characters in a story, or emotional stages. Press “Make it yours” in the map to rename each place with your own metaphor. Your browser will remember it.

What matters most is having something that helps you understand what each scale degree does. Whether you’re analyzing a chord progression or composing a melody, recognizing each degree’s function will improve your musical decisions.

Final Thoughts

Scale degree functions help musicians move beyond numbers and notes. They turn abstract theory into something expressive and memorable, and by giving each degree a familiar, real-world meaning, you’re more likely to remember how they interact and how to use them.

Scale Degree FAQ

What is the difference between a scale degree and a note?

A note is a specific pitch, like G. A scale degree is a note’s position and role within a key. G is degree 5 (the dominant) in C major, but degree 1 (the tonic) in G major.

Why is the 7th called the leading tone?

Because it sits just a half step below the tonic and “leads” the ear strongly back home. In the map, it’s the front door.

Do scale degree functions work in minor keys?

Yes. The names and functions are the same; minor keys just change some of the chord qualities. (In natural minor, the 7th is a whole step below the tonic and is called the subtonic.)

by Henry Bahrou – Guitarist, Music Theorist, Music Academy Director

For more, try the interactive circle of fifths and the Chord Progression Builder, see our guitar theory resources, or explore lessons at Canton Music Academy.

EADGCF All 4ths Tuning is an alternate guitar tuning that raises the B and high E strings a half step, so every pair of strings is a perfect 4th apart. Unlike standard tuning (EADGBE), which has a major 3rd between the G and B strings, EADGCF is completely uniform. Compare the two below.

Advantages of EADGCF All 4ths Tuning

The main benefit is consistency. Because every string follows the same interval pattern, scale and chord shapes are identical across the neck. There’s no mental adjustment for the B string, a common challenge in standard tuning. Try “Move a chord shape” above: in all 4ths the finger pattern is the same on every string set, while in standard it shifts whenever a shape crosses the G and B strings.

Alternate tunings also help you explore sounds and harmonic structures that aren’t as easy to reach in standard tuning. With an all-4ths system you approach chord voicings and melodic ideas differently, which expands your creativity.

Challenges of EADGCF Tuning

EADGCF has its challenges too. Standard tuning remains dominant largely because it’s ergonomic for chords: it allows comfortable six-string shapes that are hard to reproduce in EADGCF. The high F and low E strings in particular make full chord shapes more complex.

Most guitarists have also internalized standard tuning, so switching is a learning curve. Even so, exploring this tuning can improve your understanding of intervals and scale shapes, and that knowledge carries back to standard and other tunings.

Why You Should Try EADGCF Tuning

Experimenting with EADGCF lets you see the fretboard in a new way. Removing the major 3rd gives you a clearer view of scale patterns, intervals and harmonic relationships. Standard tuning will stay popular for its chord voicings and playability, but exploring all 4ths can be an enlightening experience that deepens your understanding of the instrument. Give it a try. It might change the way you see and play the guitar!

All 4ths Tuning FAQ

How do I tune to EADGCF?

Leave the bottom four strings as they are (E A D G). Tune the B string up a half step to C and the high E string up a half step to F.

Can I still play normal chords?

Yes, but many open-position and six-string barre shapes change. Three- and four-note voicings on adjacent strings are where all-4ths tuning really shines.

Is it the same as bass tuning?

Yes, in a way. A 4-string bass is tuned E A D G in 4ths, and all-4ths guitar simply continues that pattern up to C and F.

by Henry Bahrou – Guitarist, Music Theorist, Music Academy Director

More tunings: Drop D and open tuning. For a full breakdown of scales, chords and theory, see our Guitar Music Theory Guide, or take guitar lessons in Canton. Noteflight is cloud-based notation software for writing music.

If you’re a guitarist looking to expand your sound, you may wonder: what is the purpose of Drop D tuning? Drop D is a popular alternate tuning that lowers the 6th string from E down to D, giving you new sounds and easier chord shapes. Switch between standard and Drop D below to see and hear the difference.

Fuller Sound for D Chords

One of the main reasons guitarists choose Drop D is the richer resonance it gives D chords. In standard tuning a D chord doesn’t use all six strings, but in Drop D the low D on the 6th string adds a full-bodied bass note to both D major and D minor chords. That powerful bass presence gives your music a depth that’s hard to get in standard tuning.

Easy Access to Power Chords

Drop D is also popular for power chords (5 chords). The 6th, 5th and 4th strings form a power chord with just one finger: barre the 5th fret on those three strings for G5, or the 7th fret for A5. That simplicity makes Drop D a favorite in rock and metal. Tap the frets in the tool above to hear each one, then switch to standard to see how many more fingers the same chord needs.

Adjusting to New Scale Patterns

Tuning to Drop D changes the note pattern on the 6th string, which affects familiar scale shapes and chord positions. It can feel confusing at first, but with practice Drop D opens creative possibilities standard tuning can’t offer. Use the “Scale on the fretboard” view to compare a scale in both tunings: everything stays the same except the lowest string.

Navigating the Fretboard in Drop D

Most of the fretboard stays the same as standard tuning, but the lower 6th string allows creative voicings and deeper bass lines. For example, in D major the open 6th, 5th and 4th strings make a D5 chord, while the open 3rd, 2nd and 1st strings play Em. As you move up the neck, this pattern reveals unique possibilities for chord arrangements and progressions.

Conclusion: What Is the Purpose of Drop D Tuning?

The purpose of Drop D tuning is to unlock a fuller sound, easy power chords and new fretboard patterns. By lowering just one string, Drop D expands your musical palette and lets you explore new depths and tones.

Drop D FAQ

How do I tune to Drop D?

Lower only the 6th string a whole step, from E to D. Play the open 4th string (D) and tune the 6th string down until it matches, one octave lower.

Is Drop D good for beginners?

Yes. One-finger power chords are easy to play, and only one string changes, so everything else you know still works.

What songs use Drop D?

It’s common in rock, metal and folk. Any song with a big, low D or heavy riffs on the bottom strings is a good candidate.

by Henry Bahrou – Guitarist, Music Theorist, Music Academy Director

More tunings: open tuning and EADGCF all-4ths tuning. For a full breakdown of scales, chords and theory, see More on Guitar Theory, or take guitar lessons in Canton. Check out and use Noteflight.com for writing and exploring sheet music online.

The harmonic minor scale is a unique and expressive scale used across classical, jazz and metal. Its secret is one raised note, the 7th, which changes both its sound and its chords. Compare it with the natural and melodic minor scales below, in any key.

The Formula for the Harmonic Minor Scale

The formula for the harmonic minor scale is:

W – H – W – W – H – (W+H) – H

• W is a whole step: two frets on the guitar, or two piano keys including black keys
• H is a half step: one fret, or one piano key
• W+H is a step and a half, also called an augmented second

The most notable feature is the raised 7th degree, which creates the augmented second between the 6th and 7th notes and gives the scale its distinctive flavor. In A harmonic minor the notes are A – B – C – D – E – F – G♯ – A.

How Harmonic Minor Differs From Natural Minor

The natural minor scale (the Aeolian mode) is the 6th mode of the major scale. Its formula is W – H – W – W – H – W – W. The harmonic minor raises the 7th note, creating melodic tension between the 6th and 7th notes. That augmented second doesn’t exist anywhere in the major scale system, which is what makes harmonic minor such a powerful tool for new sounds.

The Purpose of Harmonic Minor in Classical Music

In the natural minor scale, the 7th note is a whole step below the root, which makes the chord on the 5th degree a minor chord. Raising the 7th turns it into a major V chord, creating a much stronger V – i cadence back to the root, which is vital in classical harmony. Press “Hear why” in the tool to hear the difference. The raised 7th also turns the chord on the 3rd degree into an augmented triad.

Chords Built From the Harmonic Minor Scale

One of the scale’s most unique features is the variety of 7th chords it creates, a different type on every degree:

1. Minor-major 7th
2. Half-diminished 7th (m7♭5)
3. Augmented-major 7th
4. Minor 7th
5. Dominant 7th
6. Major 7th
7. Fully diminished 7th

These chord qualities open up rich, complex progressions, especially in classical and jazz music. Switch the tool to 7th chords and tap each one to hear them.

Creative Uses of the Harmonic Minor Scale

The raised 7th adds a touch of exotic tension, often heard in Eastern and Middle Eastern music and in the most dramatic moments of classical pieces. Jazz musicians use it for its harmonic richness, and metal guitarists use it for intense, dark melodic lines.

Video: Harmonic Minor Scale Modes

Conclusion: Why Learn the Harmonic Minor Scale?

So, what is the formula for the harmonic minor scale? It’s whole, half, whole, whole, half, augmented second, half, defined by its raised 7th degree. That raised 7th produces a major V chord and opens harmonic possibilities that don’t exist in the natural minor or major scales. Whether you’re a classical musician, jazz improviser or metal guitarist, it adds a new dimension to your playing.

Harmonic Minor FAQ

What is the difference between harmonic and melodic minor?

Harmonic minor raises only the 7th. Melodic minor raises both the 6th and 7th going up, which smooths out the augmented 2nd, and traditionally returns to natural minor coming down.

Why does G♯ harmonic minor have an F𝄪 (double sharp)?

G♯ minor already has F♯ in its key signature, so raising the 7th makes it F double sharp. It sounds like G, but it’s written as F𝄪 so every letter name appears once.

Which chord does harmonic minor work best over?

It’s especially useful over the V7 chord in a minor key (like E7 in A minor), where its raised 7th becomes the chord’s major 3rd.

by Henry Bahrou – Guitarist, Music Theorist, Music Academy Director

Explore more: the interactive mode explorer, the open tuning guide and our Guitar Music Theory Guide, or take private lessons at Canton Music Academy.

When asking “Is it easier to play guitar in open tuning?”, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Open tunings set the strings so that, played open, they form a chord, usually a major chord. Try five popular open tunings below and decide for yourself.

What Is Open Tuning?

In standard tuning, guitarists reach major and minor chords with fingerings that change from chord to chord. Open tuning offers a unique advantage: full chords without complex fingerings. When the guitar is tuned to an open major chord, simply barring the 5th fret forms the IV chord and barring the 7th fret forms the V chord. That makes songs built on those chords much easier to play. Tap frets 5 and 7 in the tool to hear it.

For this article we focus on open tunings that form a major chord: Open G (D G D G B D), Open D (D A D F♯ A D), Open E (E B E G♯ B E), Open A (E A E A C♯ E) and Open C (C G C G C E).

Is It Easier to Play Guitar in Open Tuning?

Not for every chord. Minor and diminished chords need more intricate fingerings, because their notes are spread across different frets. So open tuning makes some chords easier and others harder, and progressions outside the major key can take more effort.

Should Beginners Try Open Tuning?

It can be a helpful starting point for making pleasing sounds with less effort. But open tunings mean frequent retuning, which raises the risk of breaking strings. The string chart in the tool shows exactly which strings change and by how much. Experimenting with open tunings is a fun way to explore new sounds, even if it isn’t always easier than standard tuning.

Conclusion: Is It Easier to Play Guitar in Open Tuning?

It depends on your goals. Open tuning simplifies some chords and complicates others, but it’s a creative tool well worth trying.

Open Tuning FAQ

Which open tuning should I try first?

Open G and Open D are the most popular. Open G only changes three strings from standard tuning, so it’s quick to try.

Will retuning damage my guitar?

Not if you retune gradually and don’t tune strings far above their normal pitch. Tunings like Open E and Open A raise some strings, so they put a bit more tension on the neck and strings.

Why are slide guitarists so fond of open tunings?

Because a slide lays across every string at one fret, exactly like a barre, and in an open tuning that gives you a full major chord anywhere on the neck.

by Henry Bahrou – Guitarist, Music Theorist, Music Academy Director

More reading: Drop D tuning, EADGCF all-4ths tuning and our blog post on modes. See private guitar lessons at Canton Music Academy and more guitar theory info. Noteflight is great cloud-based notation software for composing and creating exercises.

As a guitarist, you’ve likely heard the term modes thrown around in discussions about theory or improvisation. If you’re anything like me, when you first encountered modes, it may have felt like a confusing new layer to an already complex subject. But once you hear them, modes become powerful tools that unlock new ways to express yourself. Try them below.

What Are Modes?

A mode is a scale created from a parent scale by starting on a different note while keeping the same notes. For example, take the C major scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, B) and start on D, and you get the Dorian mode (D, E, F, G, A, B, C). The same idea applies to all seven modes, each starting on a different degree of the major scale:

1. Ionian (the major scale)
2. Dorian
3. Phrygian
4. Lydian
5. Mixolydian
6. Aeolian (the natural minor scale)
7. Locrian

Even though the notes are shared, each mode sounds different because a different note becomes “home.” The explorer above lets you hear that by playing each mode over a drone on its root. Listen for the green characteristic note, the one note that gives each mode its personality.

Why Modes Matter for Musicians

Expand your harmonic and melodic vocabulary

Each mode has its own distinctive sound and mood. Dorian has a jazzy minor feel with a bright 6th, while Phrygian has an exotic, almost Spanish vibe with its flattened 2nd. Learning modes gives you a broader palette for everything from jazz and fusion to rock and metal.

Improve your soloing

Many guitarists hit a wall when soloing, defaulting to minor pentatonic or major scale shapes. Modes give you a fresh framework. Over a minor progression, instead of sticking to Aeolian (natural minor), try Dorian for a more colorful sound. Mixolydian is great over dominant 7th chords, giving your playing a bluesy or funky edge.

Unlock new chord progressions

Each mode implies a different harmonic landscape. Lydian’s raised 4th, for example, opens up chord possibilities that sound more unique than standard major and minor progressions.

Better understand music theory

Modes are a gateway to deeper theory. Instead of just memorizing patterns on the fretboard, you start to understand how harmony and melody interact, which helps you communicate with other musicians, write more sophisticated music, and even teach.

Adapt to different genres

Jazz guitarists frequently use Dorian and Mixolydian. Rock and metal players often reach for Phrygian and Locrian for darker, more aggressive sounds. Knowing modes makes you more versatile in any style.

Video: Breaking Down the Mode Formula

Check out my video for a deeper dive into modes and how to start using them in your music today.

Modes FAQ

Which mode should I learn first?

Start with Dorian and Mixolydian. They’re each one note away from the minor and major scales you already know, and they’re used constantly in rock, blues, funk and jazz.

Are modes just the major scale starting on a different note?

They use the same notes, but what makes a mode is which note feels like home. That’s why hearing a mode over a drone or a chord on its root is the best way to learn its sound.

What’s the brightest and darkest mode?

Lydian is the brightest and Locrian is the darkest. In between, from bright to dark: Ionian, Mixolydian, Dorian, Aeolian and Phrygian.

Do modes work on piano and other instruments?

Yes. Modes are part of music theory for every instrument; the explorer shows them on both piano and guitar.

By Henry Bahrou, Guitarist, Music Theorist, Music Academy School Director

Explore guitar lessons for all ages at Canton Music Academy, try the minor pentatonic fretboard and interactive circle of fifths, or visit our Guitar Theory Hub.

Pick any root note and chord type to see exactly which notes are in the chord, how it’s built, and how to play it on piano, guitar or ukulele. Tap play to hear it.

How to Use the Chord Spelling Calculator

Start by choosing a root note. All 17 note names are here, including sharps and flats like C♯ and D♭, so your chord is always spelled the way you’d see it written in music. Then choose a chord type: triads, 6th and 7th chords, or extended chords like 9ths, 11ths and 13ths.

The calculator instantly shows the notes in the chord, each note’s role (root, 3rd, 5th, 7th and so on), the chord formula, and the chord on a piano keyboard and a guitar or ukulele diagram. You can also flip through the inversions to see which note ends up in the bass.

For example, choose A and m7 to see that A minor 7th is spelled A – C – E – G, with the formula 1 – ♭3 – 5 – ♭7.

Why Chord Spelling Matters

Every chord is built by stacking notes in a pattern above its root. Knowing a chord’s spelling helps you:

• Read and write chords correctly in sheet music
• Find new voicings and inversions on your instrument
• Understand why progressions sound the way they do
• Communicate clearly with bandmates and teachers

Spelling also follows letter names. A C major chord in the key of D♭ isn’t spelled with an E♯; a D♭ major chord is D♭ – F – A♭, not C♯ – F – G♯. The calculator always uses the correct letters, which is exactly what music theory exams and lead sheets expect.

Chord Spelling FAQ

What’s the difference between a chord’s formula and its spelling?

The formula is the pattern (like 1 – 3 – 5 for a major chord) and works in every key. The spelling is the actual notes you get when you apply that formula to a specific root, like C – E – G.

What is a chord inversion?

An inversion is the same chord with a different note in the bass. C major in root position is C – E – G; first inversion puts E on the bottom (C/E), and second inversion puts G on the bottom (C/G).

Why does the guitar shape leave out a note on big chords?

Chords like 11ths and 13ths have more notes than you can comfortably play, so guitarists usually leave out the 5th (and sometimes other notes). The calculator does the same to give you a playable shape.

What does ♭ or ♯ in the formula mean?

It compares each note to the major scale. ♭3 means the 3rd is a half step lower than in the major scale, which is what makes a chord minor.

Want to put chords together? Try our free Chord Progression Builder to create, hear and print your own progressions. For a full breakdown of scales and chords, see the Music Theory Guide for Guitar, or learn with a teacher in our music lessons in Canton.