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Guitar Chords Explorer

Use the interactive scale explorer below to discover chords. Select a scale and see all the chords that can be built from it, complete with finger positions and musical theory.

How it works:

  • • Choose a scale root note and type (Major, Minor, etc.)
  • • The fretboard will show all notes in that scale
  • • Below you'll see all diatonic chords from that scale
  • • Each chord shows its Roman numeral function (I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii°)
  • • Click any fret to hear the note, or chord buttons to hear the full chord
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

Chord Theory Fundamentals

Every scale contains 7 chords, each with a specific musical function:

I - Tonic (Major)

The home chord. Creates stability and resolution. The "I" chord feels like home base.

ii - Supertonic (Minor)

Creates mild tension. Wants to resolve to the V or I chord. Common in progressions.

iii - Mediant (Minor)

Has a bittersweet quality. Shares 2 notes with the tonic. Less commonly used.

IV - Subdominant (Major)

Creates openness and anticipation. Great for building tension toward the dominant.

V - Dominant (Major)

Maximum tension! This chord desperately wants to resolve back to I (the tonic).

vi - Submediant (Minor)

Shares notes with the tonic. Creates a sense of rest, supports the I chord.

vii° - Leading Tone (Diminished)

Maximum dissonance and tension. Resolves strongly back to the tonic. Very powerful!