Chord symbols can include up to five parts. Each part is color coded in the example for easier identification.
Note Name The name of the root of the chord.
All chord symbols include the note name.
Modifier Describes the type of triad if it is not major.
No modifier means the chord is major.
Common modifiers are: m or - = minor, dim or o = diminished, aug or + = augmented.
Extensions Notes added to the triad by stacking 3rds to make more complex chords.
The number represents the interval from the root of the triad to the highest extension.
The most common extension is 7 which represents a 7th chord.
7th chord extensions are assumed to be minor 7 unless otherwise noted.
We will study 7th chords in a later level.
Alterations Changes to the typical triad structure, such as suspensions or notes that are raised or lowered or added.
The most common extensions are: sus = suspended 3rd, ♭5 = flatten the 5th of the triad, add9 = add a 9th to the triad.
Bass if the bottom note of the chord is not the root of the chord, a forward slash followed by the note name of the bass will be added at the end.
Here are the most common diatonic triads and their corresponding chord symbols using a C as the root of the chord.
Major: C
Minor: Cm or C-
Dim: Cdim or Co
Aug: C+ or Caug
How to Identify a Simple Triad Using Chord Symbols
The Note Name of the symbol will be the root of the chord. In the above example, the root is B.
If the chord is not a major chord, add the correct Modifier (see above).
In the above example the triad is diminished so the chord symbol is Bo or Bdim.
How to Notate a Simple Triad from a Chord Symbol
Build an Fm triad.
Build the triad using the Note Name as the root.
In the above example the note name is F so the root of the triad is F.
Add the 3rd and 5th of the triad by stacking thirds above the root. We do that below by adding an A and C above the F.
Make sure the triad is the correct quality (major, minor, diminished, or augmented) based on the Modifier.
Remember: no modifier means the triad is major.
In this example the modifier is minor, so we need to add a flat to the A to create a minor triad.