Reverse Piano Chord Finder
Select notes on the piano or play them with a MIDI keyboard to identify matching chords, inversions, and possible chord names.
MIDI keyboard
Web MIDI not supported in this browser — use the on-screen piano.
Selected notes: None
Selected notes
Click the piano keys or connect a MIDI keyboard. Choose at least two notes to begin.
Select notes to identify a chord
Click the piano keys or connect a MIDI keyboard. Choose at least two notes to begin.
What a reverse chord finder does
A reverse chord finder works backwards from a normal chord chart. Instead of looking up which notes belong to a named chord, you enter the notes you are playing and the tool tells you which chord (or chords) they spell. It is the fastest way to answer questions like “what chord is C E G?” or to name a shape you found by ear.
How inversions change the chord name
A chord keeps the same name no matter which note is on the bottom, but the lowest note determines its inversion. C major is C – E – G in root position, E – G – C in first inversion, and G – C – E in second inversion. Because the finder reads the true lowest note you play, it can report the inversion and the matching slash-chord spelling.
How slash chords work
A slash chord is written chord/bass — for example C/E or C/G. The part before the slash is the chord; the part after names the bass note. Slash chords describe inversions and chords played over a different bass note, which is why an inverted C major can also be written as C/E.
Why several chord names can appear
One set of notes can belong to more than one chord. C – E – G – A is both C6 and A minor 7, depending on the bass note and the key. The finder shows each reasonable interpretation and ranks exact matches ahead of inversions, rootless voicings, and partial matches.
Why extended chords sometimes omit tones
Extended chords such as 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths contain five to seven notes — more than two hands comfortably play at once. Pianists often drop the root or fifth, producing a rootless voicing that still implies the full chord. The finder recognizes these common voicings and labels the omitted tones so the result stays honest.
Frequently asked questions
- What chord do these notes make?
- Select the notes on the on-screen piano or play them on a connected MIDI keyboard. The Reverse Chord Finder compares your notes against every chord in the library and lists the matching chord names, from exact matches to related voicings.
- Can the chord finder detect inversions?
- Yes. Because it reads the actual lowest note you play, it can tell whether a chord is in root position or an inversion and shows the matching slash-chord name, such as C/E for a first-inversion C major chord.
- What is a slash chord?
- A slash chord names the chord and its bass note, written as chord/bass. For example, C/E means a C major chord with E in the bass. Slash chords often appear when a chord is played in an inversion or over a different bass note.
- Can it identify extended chords?
- Yes. The finder recognizes seventh chords and extended chords such as 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths. It can also detect common rootless voicings, where the root is omitted but the chord is still implied.
- Why do several chord names appear?
- The same set of notes can spell more than one chord depending on the bass note and context. The finder ranks exact matches first, then inversions, rootless voicings, and possible partial matches so you can pick the interpretation that fits your music.
Found Your Chord? Now Practice It.
Move from identification into muscle memory. Go Practice drills chord changes with a metronome in every key.