chords guide · 6 min
Major and Minor Chords Explained Simply
Learn major and minor chords through interval formulas, piano keyboard shapes and ear training. Hear how one semitone changes the third.
A useful music lesson should give you something specific to listen for and a small action to try. This guide keeps the explanation focused so you can move from reading to practice quickly.
Change the third
A major triad uses root, major third and perfect fifth. A minor triad lowers only the third by one semitone. That small movement changes the chord’s colour while preserving its root and stable fifth.
Short, focused sessions are more useful than occasional long sessions. Work slowly enough to notice errors, repeat a small section and finish with one relaxed play-through. A metronome can confirm your pulse, but accuracy and ease should come before speed.
Train your ear
Choose one root in the chord finder and alternate major and minor. Sing the moving middle note, then try to identify the quality with your eyes closed.
Try it now
Open the related tool, spend five minutes applying one idea from this guide and stop while your attention is still fresh. Note what became easier and what needs another slow repetition tomorrow.
Open Piano Chord Finder →