In music, a chord is the combination of several single notes that sound good together. Basic chords are build of a root note, which is the note that defines the name of the chord; a third, which is literally the third note of the scale and the most important note, because depending on the distance (number of tones) between the root and the third, the chord will be major or minor. Then, you need the fifth to complete the chord. You can refer to the Intervals lesson to help you.
The example below uses the scale of C major (C, D, E, F, G, A, B). The example shows the name of the chords that were created from the root, third and fifth of each note of the scale.
Creating Chords
Lets break down the process of creating chords from a scale. Looking at a keyboard is very useful to count the tones between each note.
Keyboard
To create chords, start out with the root of each chord.
Creating Chords (Root)
Then, you add the third of each chord. With the chord of C, the third will be E, as you always count the root. The distance between C and E is 2 tones, so it is a major third. Therefor, the chord of C is a major chord. The chord of D is minor, because the distance between D and F is 1 1/2 tones, therefor it has a minor third. The lower case "m" is used to describe the chord as a minor chord.
Creating Chords (Third)
Finally, you add the fifth of each chord. If the fifth is not perfect (3 1/2 tones) you need to add (b5) to the chord name. It simply means that the fifth is diminished (lower than a perfect fifth).
Creating Chords (Fifth)
This way of creating chords works the opposite way as well. If you are wondering what are the notes in a chord of Fm, you start with the root which is F, then find the minor third which is Ab, then the perfect fifth which is C. So, the chord of F is composed of F, Ab, C.
Below is how the chords should look like on a staff with the treble clef
Chords on Staff with Treble Clef
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