Lesson 2 : The remaining chords, Summary.

Always keep the basic chords firmly in mind:

The major chord : first, third and fifth notes of the major scale that starts on the root, e.g. C major: C E G

The minor chord : take the major chords and flatten the third, e.g. C minor: C Eb G

The diminished chord : take the major chord then flatten the third and fifth, e.g. C diminished: C Eb Gb

The augmented chord : take the major chord and sharpen the fifth, e.g. C augmented: C E G#

Then for the other chords:

Sixths : to any of the basic chords add the sixth note of the major scale that starts on the root of the basic chord, e.g. C sixth: C E G A

Major sevenths : add the major seventh note from the major scale that runs from the root of the basic chord to which it is to be added, e.g. C Major seventh: C E G B

Sevenths : add the flattened seventh note from the major scale that runs from the root of the basic chord to which it is to be added, e.g. C seventh: C E G Bb

Remaining chords : add the specified notes from the major scale, or amend the specified notes to the basic or further chords, e.g. C seventh with suspended fourth: C E F G Bb

This applies to whatever range of chords - the principle runs through all keys. It is therefore possible to work out all the chords in all keys on the piano without memorizing positions. Knowing how to arrive at the notes of the chords means that they can be played with the right or left hands in the treble or bass clefs.