Chord Formulas
an easier way to figure out chord notes (members)
Traditional music theory has a method for constructing chords requiring intervals, scales, scale degree numbers, and other relatively knowledge-based prerequisites. Faced with creating a simpler way to help students construct chords, I came up with this table of common chord formulas (see the bottom of the page).
To use it, start with the root (the pitch of the chord name), and then add notes based on intervals counted in frets (equivalent to half-steps). One fret (half-step) is the distance between adjacent notes, such as B and C. Remember that when counting frets (half-steps), the first note is not counted, only subsequent ones. This might be compared to how we measure inches, feet, centimeters, or any similar incremental distance.
This table below is not exhaustive. There are many other chords not included here, but perhaps at a later date it will be updated to include more.
Here's an example of how to use this table:
Chord: Dm (D minor)
Symbol in Chart: Xm
Formula in Chart: Root + 3 + 4
Root: D
The next note in the chord is D + 3 frets (or equivalent to half-steps): D-0 fret, D#-1 fret, E-2 frets, F-3 frets = F
The final note in the chord is F + 4 frets: F-0 fret, F#-1 fret, G-2 frets, G#-3 frets, A-4 frets = A
The three unique letter names (members) of a Dm chord are D, F, and A.
These three notes, D, F, and A are called the root, third, and fifth respectively.
NOTE: A Dm chord can contain any number of these three members, D, F, and A, arranged in any fashion. This is true for all chords.
Click here to download a PDF of the following document
