Chord Formulas

Triads

Major Triads: Root note + M3 + P5 

Minor Triads: Root + m3 + P5

Augmented Triads: Build a Major Triad and raise the 5th by a half step

Diminished Triads: Build a Minor Triad and lower the 5th by a half step

*Make any triad a chord by adding a P8

7th Chords

Major 7th Chord: Major Triad + M7

Minor 7th Chord: Minor Triad + m7

Minor-Major 7th Chords: Minor Triad + M7

Augmented-Major 7th Chord: Augmented Triad + M7

Augmented 7th Chord: Augmented Triad + m7

Dominant 7th Chord (V7): Major Triad + m7

Half-diminished 7th Chord: Diminished Triad + m7

Diminished 7th Chord (fully dim): Diminished Triad + dim7

Table of Common Triad & 7th Chord Symbols

*The examples highlighted in yellow are most commonly used among musicians.