🎵 Chord to Notes Converter
Convert chord names to individual note names. Input any chord symbol and get the exact notes that make up the chord with intervals and music theory analysis.
Your Result:
Am7 Chord → Individual Notes
4 notes with intervals and theory
🎼 Input Chord: Am7
🎓 Music Theory Analysis
📋 Quick Summary
Am7 = A, C, E, G
This example shows a minor 7th chord with its four component notes and intervallic relationships.
How to Use This Chord to Notes Converter
The Chord to Notes Converter is a comprehensive music theory tool that breaks down any chord symbol into its individual note components. Whether you're a beginner learning basic triads or an advanced jazz musician working with complex extended chords, this tool provides instant analysis with detailed intervallic relationships.
- Enter Chord Symbol: Type any standard chord notation in the chord name field. The tool recognizes major (C), minor (Am), dominant (G7), extended (Cmaj9), altered (C7b5), and slash chords (C/E).
- Choose Display Format: Select how you want to see the results - simple note names, notes with interval relationships, detailed music theory analysis, or scale degree numbers.
- Set Note Preferences: Choose whether to display accidentals as sharps, flats, or context-appropriate enharmonic equivalents.
- Optional Inversions: Enable inversion display to see how the same chord can be voiced with different bass notes.
- Generate Analysis: Click convert to see the complete breakdown with copy-friendly formatting.
The tool provides educational value by showing not just which notes are in a chord, but how they relate to each other through intervals and scale degrees. This makes it perfect for understanding chord construction, improving improvisation skills, and analyzing harmonic progressions in various musical styles.
Advanced features include support for complex jazz harmony, proper enharmonic spelling based on key context, and detailed interval analysis that explains why each note functions within the chord. The results can be copied for use in music notation software, shared with students, or used as reference during practice sessions.
How It Works
- Chord Symbol Parsing: The tool analyzes the input chord symbol using music theory rules to identify the root note, chord quality (major, minor, diminished, etc.), and any extensions or alterations.
- Note Calculation: Based on the chord formula, it calculates each note by applying the correct intervals from the root note. For example, a major chord uses a major 3rd and perfect 5th above the root.
- Enharmonic Resolution: The tool chooses appropriate note spellings (sharps vs flats) based on the chord's key context and standard music theory conventions.
- Interval Analysis: Each note is labeled with its interval relationship to the root (root, major 3rd, perfect 5th, etc.) and scale degree number for comprehensive understanding.
- Inversion Generation: If enabled, the tool calculates first and second inversions by rearranging the chord notes with different bass notes while maintaining the same harmonic content.
When You Might Need This
- • Piano players learning chord fingerings and note positions
- • Guitar students understanding chord construction and theory
- • Music teachers explaining intervals and chord formulas to students
- • Songwriters analyzing existing progressions for inspiration
- • Music producers arranging harmonies and voicings
- • Jazz musicians studying complex chord extensions and alterations
- • Music theory students practicing chord identification
- • Composers checking chord spellings for sheet music accuracy
- • Audio engineers understanding harmonic content for mixing decisions
- • Musicians transposing songs to different keys and chord forms
Frequently Asked Questions
What chord types does this converter support?
The converter supports major, minor, diminished, augmented, suspended, and extended chords including 7ths, 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths. It also handles altered chords like b5, #11, and complex jazz voicings. Most standard chord symbols are recognized including slash chords and inversions.
How do I enter chord symbols correctly?
Use standard chord notation: major chords (C, F#), minor chords (Am, Bm), extensions (C7, Dmaj7, Em9), alterations (C7b5, F#7#11), and slash chords (C/E, Am/G). The tool is flexible with spacing and capitalization, so 'Cmaj7', 'C maj7', and 'CMaj7' all work.
What's the difference between enharmonic notes like C# and Db?
C# and Db are enharmonically equivalent (same pitch, different names). The tool chooses the appropriate spelling based on musical context - sharps for sharp keys, flats for flat keys. You can override this using the note naming preference setting to force sharps or flats.
Can I see chord inversions and different voicings?
Yes! Enable 'Show common inversions' to see first and second inversions. The tool shows how the same chord notes can be arranged differently, which is essential for smooth voice leading and piano/guitar fingerings. Each inversion displays the bass note and interval structure.
How accurate is the chord analysis for complex jazz chords?
The tool accurately analyzes most jazz chord symbols including altered dominants, extended chords, and poly-chords. It uses standard jazz notation conventions and shows proper interval relationships. For very complex or ambiguous symbols, it provides the most common interpretation with explanatory notes.