Piano Chord Notation Guide

Chord symbols are a compact way to write chords.

Basic Chord Symbols

Chord symbols tell you which chord to play without showing every individual note. Here's how to read the most common chord symbols:

Major Chords

A capital letter alone means a major chord. For example:

  • C = C major chord (C-E-G)
  • F = F major chord (F-A-C)
  • G = G major chord (G-B-D)

Minor Chords

A lowercase "m" after the letter means minor:

  • Cm / Cmin = C minor chord (C-Eb-G)
  • Am = A minor chord (A-C-E)
  • Dm = D minor chord (D-F-A)

Seventh Chords

Numbers after the chord name indicate seventh chords:

  • C7 = C dominant 7th (C-E-G-Bb)
  • Cmaj7 / CΔ7 = C major 7th (C-E-G-B)
  • Cm7 = C minor 7th (C-Eb-G-Bb)
  • Cdim7 = C diminished 7th (C-Eb-Gb-Bbb)

Sharps and Flats in Chord Names

When you see # (sharp) or b (flat) in a chord name, it modifies the root note:

  • C# = C# major (not C major with a sharp something)
  • Bb = Bb major (B flat major)
  • F#m = F# minor

Remember: # and b in the chord name tell you the root note. Alterations inside parentheses modify specific chord tones: C(#5) means C major with a sharpened fifth.

Augmented and Diminished

  • Caug / C+ = C augmented (C-E-G#)
  • Cdim / C° = C diminished (C-Eb-Gb)

Slash Chords (Inversions)

A slash between the chord name and a note indicates an inversion - the chord is played with a different note in the bass:

  • C/E = C major chord with E in the bass (first inversion)
  • G/B = G major chord with B in the bass
  • Dm/A = D minor chord with A in the bass

Slash chords are used to create smoother bass lines and more interesting harmonic movement.

Suspended Chords

"Sus" indicates a suspended chord where the third is replaced:

  • Csus4 = C with the fourth instead of the third (C-F-G)
  • Csus2 = C with the second instead of the third (C-D-G)

Extended Chords

Numbers above 7 indicate extended chords that add notes beyond the seventh:

  • C9 = C dominant 9th (adds the 9th = D)
  • C11 = C dominant 11th (adds the 11th = F)
  • C13 = C dominant 13th (adds the 13th = A)

Add Chords

"add" means adding a note without including the intervening extensions:

  • Cadd9 = C major plus the 9th (C-E-G-D) - no 7th
  • Cadd11 = C major plus the 11th (C-E-G-F) - no 7th or 9th

No Chords

"no" means omitting a note:

  • Cno3 = C power chord (C-G only, no third)
  • Cno5 = C with the fifth omitted

Putting It All Together

Now that you understand chord notation, you can read lead sheets, fake books, and chord charts. Practice by looking at the chord symbols in your favorite songs and playing along.

On our site, every chord page shows the chord name in standard notation along with a visual diagram. Use both to reinforce your understanding.

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