If you don’t know how to play piano chords yet, part three of my series on music theory is going to change everything!

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🕒 TIMESTAMPS 🕒
00:00 Introduction
00:12 What are chords?
00:54 The major chord formula
01:21 An example of D-major
02:36 Minor chords
02:49 An example of C-minor
02:54 Comparing major and minor chords
03:34 Do you have to memorize chords?
03:55 Wrapping up

In its most basic form, chords are just multiple notes played at the same time. That’s true not only for piano chords but on any instrument. And like I said in the introduction, there are 27 different types or categories of chords!

But the awesome fact you need to know is that there really are only two main types of piano chords that you must memorize. And you don’t even have to memorize the piano chords within those two types. (Lucky you: I had to do a ton of tedious memory work on this as a kid in my traditional piano lessons!)

The first chord type you need to understand? Major chords. They are so easy to play and they happen to have a happy, upbeat sound.To play a major chord, use this formula: 4-3. Start at the note the chord is named after, then place your next two fingers 4 notes and 3 notes away (to the right).

Let’s look at an example. For D major chord (D), start with D (makes sense!). Put your right thumb on a D note, then count 4 keys to the right (make sure you include black keys, they all count). Put your next finger on that 4th note, then count 3 more notes to the right. Place your third finger there.

You should have three fingers on three notes, the first one being D and the others found by counting four and then three to the right. Don’t worry about what those other two notes are called, unless that’s something you feel like reviewing. If you press those three notes, you’ve play a D major chord!

This method will help you successfully play any major chord. The 4-3 chord formula is easy peasy and is the most common formula for piano chords you will ever use!

Next up we have minor chords: the second most common piano chord you need to know. These are played only slightly differently from major chords, but the difference in sound is dramatic. Simply put, minor chords sound sad! Or moody. Definitely not upbeat or cheerful like major chords do.

The formula for minor chords is 3-4 (aka the opposite of the major chord formula).

To play a C-minor chord, place your thumb on the C note. Count to the right by 3 and place your second finger there. Count to the right by 4 more notes and place your third finger there. Press all three notes together to play a C-minor chord on your piano!

As long as you remember this 3-4 formula, you never have to memorize any individual minor chord - unless you want to. ;)

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