Learn › How to Build Chords From Any Note: Count the Keys
New Released in April 2026
How to Build Chords From Any Note: Count the Keys
You can build chords on the piano from any note by counting keys, black and white together. Two numbers are enough for the main chords: major is 4 then 3, minor is 3 then 4.
No account, no download. The demo has limited content. Advanced features are in ChordRunner Premium.
- MIDI keyboard
- Digital or acoustic piano
- Guitar
- Computer, phone or tablet
Count every key
Put a finger on the starting note. Count up 4 keys, including black ones: that is the second note. Count 3 more: that is the third note. Starting on F: F, then A (4 keys up), then C (3 more). That is F major.
Swap the numbers for minor
Count 3 first, then 4: you get minor. From D: D, F, A is D minor. From A: A, C, E is A minor. Same two numbers, other order.
Practise it in a game
ChordRunner shows a chord name, you play it on a MIDI keyboard, a piano or a guitar through the microphone, and the game checks every note. Levels start with the chords on this page.
Play the demoTwo more recipes
- Diminished: 3 + 3 (B, D, F). Tense, wants to move.
- Augmented: 4 + 4 (C, E, G#). Floating, unresolved.
- Seventh chords: add 3 more keys on top of a major chord, for example G, B, D + F = G7.
Try it on a black key
The counting works everywhere. From Eb: count 4 to G, then 3 to Bb. Eb, G, Bb is Eb major. Black keys look harder only until you count.
From building to reading
Building a chord slowly is step one. Step two is seeing a chord name and having your hand there already. A chord game trains exactly that step.
Common questions
How do you build a major chord?
From the root, count 4 keys up (black and white), then 3 more. C: C, E, G. F: F, A, C.
How do you build a minor chord?
Count 3 keys, then 4. A minor: A, C, E. D minor: D, F, A.
Can I check my chords with a MIDI keyboard or a microphone?
Yes. In ChordRunner a USB MIDI keyboard is detected automatically, and a piano or guitar works through the microphone. The game shows a chord name and checks the notes you play.
Is everything in the demo?
The demo has limited content. Advanced features are in ChordRunner Premium.
Your instrument is the controller.
ChordRunner is a browser game that teaches piano and guitar chords: a chord appears on screen, you play it on a real instrument, and your runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
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