Six-chord reference, screen-reader-friendly
| Chord | Root | Third | Fifth | Chord quality | Simple right-hand option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | C | E | G | Major | 1–3–5 |
| F | F | A | C | Major | 1–3–5 |
| G | G | B | D | Major | 1–3–5 |
| Am | A | C | E | Minor | 1–3–5 |
| Dm | D | F | A | Minor | 1–3–5 |
| Em | E | G | B | Minor | 1–3–5 |
These spellings are conventional music-theory facts, not a claim of exclusive invention. Fingering depends on hand size, voicing and context; play comfortably instead of stretching to follow a chart. In the printable diagram each chord begins on its own root: C4–E4–G4, F4–A4–C5, G4–B4–D5, A4–C5–E5, D4–F4–A4 and E4–G4–B4 (C4 means middle C). The root, third and fifth rise from left to right. Letter names alone still identify pitch classes, but octave numbers distinguish the actual playable voicing.
Keyboard diagram, explained in words
Find any group of two black keys. The white key just left of that pair is C; move right through D, E, then F just left of the three black keys, then G, A, B. The seven-note pattern repeats. For example, C major touches C, skips D, touches E, skips F, and touches G. A minor begins on A, skips B, touches C, skips D, and touches E.
The letters name successive white keys; black keys between C–D, D–E, F–G, G–A and A–B are omitted from the simplified strip. The PDF includes a full two-dimensional keyboard diagram.
Download the original one-page chord chart (PDF)
Check the chart yourself
Say the notes of G (G–B–D), then cover the chart and play them. For Dm, verify that the middle note is F natural—not F-sharp. For Em, note that B is the fifth. Print the PDF at actual size on Letter or A4 and verify that every chord label remains visible. The entire textual chart is available on this page without downloading anything.
This publication grants permission to print, share and adapt its original chart layout and explanations with attribution for personal or educational use; it does not claim ownership over chord note names. Continue with first four chords or major/minor triad formulas.
Sources and scope
Source and topic references checked 28 October 2026. The linked articles/course outlines substantiate the indicated general principles and coverage, not our precise original exercise, performance effectiveness, or a first-hand review. Music studies here were independently composed for this site; external musician review before publishing is still outstanding.
- Berklee Online — Piano Chords 101 syllabus — keyboard chord construction, lead-sheet playing and voicing topics described in the course overview; not verification of our original voicings.
- Berklee Online — Music for Beginners syllabus — foundation in rhythm, melody, pitch, keyboard and basic chords; not a validation of this page’s original practice schedule.