Practice Games
Chord Builder
See a chord name, build it on your keyboard. Major, minor, diminished, augmented, seventh chords—press all the right notes at once and move on.
Quick Overview
- ✓ Goal — See a chord name, press all its notes simultaneously on your MIDI keyboard
- ✓ Chord types — Major, minor, diminished, augmented, and seventh chords
- ✓ Any octave — Play the chord in whatever octave feels comfortable
- ✓ Adjustable hints — See note names, intervals, or go completely unassisted
- ✓ Root selection — Choose which root notes to include for focused practice
1 What Is Chord Builder?
Chord Builder trains you to construct chords from their name alone. You see "F minor" and your fingers need to find F, Ab, and C. No staff, no notation—just the chord symbol and your keyboard.
This is the kind of knowledge that makes lead sheets, chord charts, and pop music instantly playable. If someone says "play a Dm7," you should be able to do it without hesitation.
2 Settings
Chord Focus
Pick which chord types to practice. Options include major, minor, diminished, augmented, and seventh chords (major 7th, minor 7th, dominant 7th). Start with major and minor triads, then add more as you're ready.
Root Notes
Limit which root notes appear. Start with common keys (C, F, G) and expand to all twelve when you're comfortable.
Hints
At the highest hint level, you see the individual note names that make up the chord. At the lowest, you see only the chord symbol. Reduce hints gradually.
3 How to Play
- A chord name appears (e.g., "A Major").
- Press all the chord tones at the same time on your MIDI keyboard.
- If correct, the next chord appears.
- If wrong, the game shows which notes you got right and which you missed. Try again.
Correct
"A Major"—you press A, C#, and E together. Next chord.
Wrong
"A Major"—you press A, C, and E (that's A minor). The game flags the C as wrong.
Any octave accepted. Play the chord wherever your hands naturally land. The game checks note names, not specific octave positions. You can even spread the notes across octaves.
4 Chord Types
Major Triads
Root + major third + perfect fifth. Bright, happy sound. Example: C major = C, E, G.
Minor Triads
Root + minor third + perfect fifth. Darker, sadder sound. Example: C minor = C, Eb, G.
Diminished Triads
Root + minor third + diminished fifth. Tense, unstable sound. Example: C diminished = C, Eb, Gb.
Augmented Triads
Root + major third + augmented fifth. Mysterious, floating sound. Example: C augmented = C, E, G#.
Seventh Chords
Four-note chords. Major 7th, minor 7th, and dominant 7th. These add richness and are everywhere in jazz, pop, and classical music.
Tips
- Learn the formulas. Major = 1-3-5, minor = 1-b3-5. Once you know the pattern, any root works.
- Start with triads. Get major and minor solid before adding sevenths.
- Use hints, then remove them. There's no shame in starting with full hints. The goal is to eventually not need them.
- Think intervals, not individual notes. "Major third + minor third" is more transferable than memorizing every chord separately.
- Practice the tricky roots. Gb major and Db minor are harder than C major. Give them extra time.
Troubleshooting
I'm pressing all the right notes but it won't accept my answer
All notes must be held down at the same time. If you press them one by one and release before pressing the next, the game won't register the full chord. Press and hold all notes simultaneously.
What's the difference between a major 7th and a dominant 7th?
A major 7th (Cmaj7) has a major triad plus a major seventh interval: C, E, G, B.
A dominant 7th (C7) has a major triad plus a minor seventh interval: C, E, G, Bb. The dominant 7th has that bluesy, "wants to resolve" sound.
My MIDI keyboard isn't being detected
Connect your keyboard before opening the game. If it's already connected, try refreshing the page. See MIDI Not Working? for more help.
Still Need Help?
If Chord Builder isn't working correctly, get in touch. Let us know which chord type and root you're having trouble with.
Response time: 2-3 business days