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Piano Chord Diagrams
Pick a chord and see exactly which keys to play on the keyboard.
Quick Reference — Common Chord Shapes
How do I read this diagram?
The green highlighted keys are the notes that make up the chord. Play them simultaneously (or roll them from bottom to top for an arpeggiated feel). The note labels show the pitch name and octave number so you can find the exact position on your keyboard.
Which inversion should I use?
Root position (root note at the bottom) is shown here. For smoother voice leading between chords, try first inversion (3rd on the bottom) or second inversion (5th on the bottom). These are especially useful on keys when accompanying a worship song — moving to the nearest chord shape rather than jumping across the keyboard.
What is a sus chord on piano?
A sus2 chord replaces the 3rd with the 2nd (whole step above root). A sus4 replaces the 3rd with the 4th. Both have an open, unresolved sound that is very common in modern worship. Sus chords often resolve to the major chord — Csus4 → C — and that resolution is a defining sound of contemporary worship music.