Quick Start

Chord Notation

Reverse Chord Finder uses a common method of notating chords. However, chord notation is not completely standardized so you may not be familiar with some of the symbols.

Here's a quick guide to the chord notation used.

A chord symbol typically looks like this:

root-note chord-type / bass-note

For example:

C maj7♯5 / B

The root note is the note that the chord is built on, C in this example.

The chord type determines the "quality" of the chord. In other words, whether the chord has a major sound, a minor sound, a dominant 7th sound, etc.

In the above example, the chord type is maj7♯5. This means the chord is a Major 7th chord (maj7) but the 5th tone is raised by a half-step or semitone (♯5). The 5th tone in a regular Cmaj7 chord is G, so the notes for this chord become: C E G♯ B.

The chord type may also include notes that must be lowered by a half-step or semitone (indicated by a ♭). You may also find the modifier add or /. Both of these symbols mean that the note that follows it must be added to the chord.

If you can't remember all of this, don't worry: Reverse Chord Finder will also show a detailed description of the chord.

Finally, if the chord ends with / bass note, it is a so-called "slash chord". This simply means that a note other than the root note is the lowest note in the chord. The chord from the example is played with a B bass note.

Tip: You can customize the appearance of the chord symbols in the Settings screen.