This tool can be useful for suggesting possible symbols for complex chords, but it
is not a substitute for proper chord analysis, which should always take
context into consideration. It will liberally accept a wide range of input
and do its best to find a matching chord symbol, even if there is no third or fifth.
Two or more notes of unique pitch class constitute a “chord” that can be
analyzed. The interpretation of input is always literal, as are the results. For
example, an A7♯9 chord has a
B♯ in it—never a C—even though it may be written that way in
practice, and a dominant 13th will always have all the members present (3, 5, ♭7, 9, 11,
and 13), even though some may be omitted in practice.
Specify the root and then select all the intervals that apply.
Staff
Drag notes onto the staff. (This requires support for mouse-based drag-and-drop on your device.)
Chord Symbol
Enter the symbol you'd like to analyze. You can use lowercase b and # as substitutes
for the ♭ and ♯ characters. You can use lowercase o, °, or dim
to indicate diminished chords. You can use ø, hd, or minor seven
♭5 notation to indicate half diminished chords. You can use lowercase m, -, or
min for minor. To indicate major sevenths, you can use uppercase M,
maj, or △. To indicate augmented chords, use + or aug.
Chord Calculator is liberal in what it accepts, but conservative in its reply.
However you enter a chord, it'll be rewritten using your stated chord symbol
preferences. Also, it may optimize or rearrange the chord symbol you've entered. For
example,
Gadd4omit3
is accepted, but Gsus4 is returned.
Also, some input may be ambiguous. For example, G4 might mean
Gadd4 or
Gsus4, but Chord Calculator
will always assume a suspended chord is intended. Another possible area of ambiguity is
an accidental that appears between the root and a numeral. In this case,
Chord Calculator will always apply the accidental to the root note. For example,
F♯11 will be interpreted as an F♯ chord with extensions through the
eleventh, not an F chord with a sharp 11th. To make the distinction, use parentheses.
The constituent notes of the chord will be displayed.
Chord Name
Select a root note and a chord name.
The constituent notes of the chord will be displayed.
While the chord symbols given here will unambiguously tell you the pitch classes
within a chord, some are better than others. What to call a chord is, in many cases,
subjective, and the chord symbol system is not perfect. However, if you see
something that's definitely wrong, say something!
The confidence ratings are an attempt to determine the “best” or,
perhaps, most likely name for a given chord. Chord Calculator deducts
points for complexity, multiple added intervals, inversions, uncommon enharmonic
spellings for constituent notes (like E♯ instead of F, for example), missing
thirds and fifths, and whether the given intervals are in the stated octave. (For
example, is the “11th” really more than an octave from the root?)
Ratings of 100% are likely to be a very good name for the chord. High 90s are
probably strong (and sometimes better) alternatives.
Chord Calculator is designed for close harmony and does not ever propose
“slash” chords. G/B will always come out as G in 1st inversion and
G/F♯ will be Gmaj7 in 3rd inversion, even when it's
“obvious” that the F♯ is part of a descending bass line, for
example.