How to Play Piano Intervals and Chords

In music, the interval is the space between any two notes. The interval can be viewed from the top or bottom note. For example, with the notes C, E, A, C, the interval is six between the low C and the second C. A chord, on the other hand, is typically formed from three notes often with an interval between each note.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Create an interval on the piano by selecting any two notes which are not immediately adjacent to each other. Take the middle C and F as an example. The interval can be counted from the top note to the bottom or vice versa. In the example, the interval between the C and F would three, as the G, A and B are between the C and F.
2. Play three notes with an interval between each note. Again use the C and F but this time add the D note. This is called a Triad. Each note, D, F, and C, in the Triad must have an interval between the next note lower or higher.
3. Add another note, for example the A. Now the chord contains the C, A, F and D in descending order. This is a new chord and is identified by counting the interval between the bottom and the top note. In the example the interval is five between the bottom and top notes.
4. Insert another note into the chord and increase the interval between the bottom and the top note. In the example, insert another A below the D. This would increase the interval to seven, which gives us a chord with the notes (in ascending order) A, D, F, A, C.