About this tool
"What are the notes in this chord?" and "what shape does it make on a keyboard?" are questions that come up constantly while writing or arranging music. This tool answers both at once: pick a root and a chord type, and it highlights the keyboard shape while listing the notation, the notes and any alternate names for that chord. Click the keyboard or the "Play chord" button to hear it right there.
The root can be picked directly by note name (C, D, E…), or by combining a key with a scale degree (I, II, III…). Leave the degree as it is and switch only the key, and the chord transposes to the same degree in the new key — useful for questions like "what's the IV chord in this key?"
Common chords like maj7 and m7(9) are covered, along with less common ones such as dim, aug, 7sus4 and the so-called Blackadder chord. Where a chord has more than one common notation, every variant is shown.
How to use it
- Use "How to pick the root" to choose between selecting a note name directly or a key-and-degree combination.
- Pick the root (or the key and degree) and a chord type.
- The keyboard highlights the notes, and the notation, note list, semitone distances and alternate names appear below.
- Change only the key to see the same scale degree transposed into a different key.
- Click a key on the keyboard to hear that note, or press "Play chord" to hear the whole chord.
Features
Pick the root by scale degree
Choose a root by note name, or by combining a key with a degree (I through VII). Switching the key keeps the same degree relationship.
See it on a keyboard
The chord's notes are highlighted directly on a keyboard. Chords with a 9th or 13th are shown spanning the correct octave.
Hear it too
Click a key for a single note, or press "Play chord" to hear the whole chord. The sound is synthesized in your browser, so nothing extra needs to load.
Notation variants
Where a chord is written more than one way, such as maj9 and maj7(9), every variant is listed together.
24 chord types
From triads to tension chords, plus dim, aug and the Blackadder chord, a wide range of chord types is covered.
Frequently asked questions
What does picking the root by scale degree mean?
It sets the chord's root relative to a key — as degree I, degree V and so on. Change the key and the root note updates automatically to keep the same scale degree.
Which spelling is used for enharmonic notes like C# and D♭?
Chord notation and keyboard labels use sharps. The root picker lists both spellings side by side.
How are chords with a 9th or 13th shown on the keyboard?
They are highlighted at their real pitch, above the root's octave. The visible range of the keyboard expands automatically to fit them.
Is my selection saved?
The root and chord type you pick are saved in your browser's local storage, so the page reopens in the same state. Nothing is sent to a server.
Why can't I hear anything?
Browsers block audio until you interact with the page, so click a key or the "Play chord" button once to enable sound. Also check that your device isn't muted.