Julie Swihart

Second Chords

Let’s look at how to play an A2 (A second) chord on the piano. We’ll also learn the pattern for building any second chord.

What Are Second Chords?

Second chords are major chords with an added note. The added note is the second note of the matching major scale.

So to build a second chord, we’ll start by building a major chord. Major chords are built using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale (learn how to build a major scale here).

Then to convert a major chord into a second chord, we’ll add the second note of the same scale to the chord.

Chord Types Printable

Learn to play 17 types of piano chords using 12 different root notes with this 34-page PDF! Chords are sorted both by their root note (C, D, E, etc.) and type (major, minor, augmented, diminished, etc.).

Get the Printable

How to Play an A2 Chord

Let’s build an A2 chord. We’ll start by building an A major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the A major scale: A – C♯ – E

Then we’ll add the second note of the scale to the chord: B

So to play the chord, we’ll play:

A – B – C♯ – E

You can use this pattern to build any second chord. Start by building a major chord, then add the second note of the matching major scale.

Other Chord Types

There are many other chord types you can learn. Here are some others:

Major
Minor
Augmented
Diminished
Minor Second
Suspended
Fifth
Sixth
Minor Sixth
Seventh
Minor Seventh
Major Seventh
Ninth
Minor Ninth
Major Ninth

Conclusion

Now you know how to build an A2 chord on the piano, and you can use that pattern to build any second chord!

Second chords make nice substitutes for major chords, since they add one additional note. They create some nice variety and also interchange nicely with suspended second chords.