Chord Identifier
Use the Guitar Scale Explorer below to select a scale, and see all the chords that can be formed from that scale.
How it works:
- • Choose a root note (C, C#, D, etc.)
- • Select a scale type (Major, Minor, Pentatonic, etc.)
- • The fretboard will highlight all notes in that scale
- • Below the fretboard, you'll see all chords that can be formed
- • Click on any fret to hear the note played
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
E
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
B
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
G
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
D
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
A
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
E
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
Scale Notes:
CDEFGAB
Modes of C Major
I. C - D - E - F - G - A - B
C C - E - G
Ionian
ii. D - E - F - G - A - B - C
Dmin D - F - A
Dorian
iii. E - F - G - A - B - C - D
Emin E - G - B
Phrygian
IV. F - G - A - B - C - D - E
F F - A - C
Lydian
V. G - A - B - C - D - E - F
G G - B - D
Mixolydian
vi. A - B - C - D - E - F - G
Amin A - C - E
Aeolian
vii°. B - C - D - E - F - G - A
Bdim B - D - F
Locrian
Understanding Scale Degrees
Each chord in a scale has a specific function:
I (Tonic): The home chord, creates resolution
ii (Supertonic): Creates tension toward tonic
iii (Mediant): Adds color but less common
IV (Subdominant): Creates openness and release
V (Dominant): Maximum tension, wants resolution
vi (Submediant): Supports the tonic function
vii° (Leading Tone): Maximum dissonance, resolves strongly