Fifths Chords
Let’s look at how to play a D5 (D fifth) chord on the piano. We’ll also learn the pattern for building any fifth chord.
What Are Fifth Chords?
Fifth chords are built using the first and fifth notes of the matching major scale.
Technically, fifth chords aren’t “chords” since the definition of a chord is three or more notes, sounded together. Fifth chords are only two notes, but we’ll call them chords since they behave like chords.
One easy way to build fifth chords is to think of them as major or minor chords without the middle note.
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.).
How to Play a D5 Chord
Let’s look at how to build a D5 chord on the piano. We can play the first and fifth notes of our D major scale: D – A. Or we can start with a D major chord (D – F♯ – A) and leave out the F♯: D – A.
So to play a D5 chord, we’ll play:
D – A
You can use this pattern to build any fifth chord. Just play the first and fifth notes of the matching major scale. Or start with the matching major chord and leave out the middle note.
Other Chord Types
There are many other chord types you can learn. Here are some others:
Major
Minor
Augmented
Diminished
Second
Minor Second
Suspended
Sixth
Minor Sixth
Seventh
Minor Seventh
Major Seventh
Ninth
Minor Ninth
Major Ninth
Conclusion
Now you know how to build a D5 chord, and you can use that knowledge to build any other fifth chord on the piano!
Fifth chords add a nice variety to piano playing, because they have an open sound. They’re fun to substitute for major or minor chords, as they interchange naturally with both types.
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