Julie Swihart

Second Chords

Let’s look at how to play an F2 (“F second”) chord on the piano. We’ll also learn the pattern for building any other 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 play a second chord, we’ll start with 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 the major chord into a second chord, we’ll add the second note of the matching major scale.

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 F2 Chord

So to build an F2 chord, we’ll first build an F major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the F major scale: F – A – C

Then we’ll add the second note of the F major scale to the chord: G

So to play an F2 chord, we’ll play: F – G – A – C

We can use this pattern to build any other second chord, by first building the matching major chord, then adding the second note of the matching major scale!

Second chords use the same notes as “add9” chords. An add9 chord is a major chord with an added major ninth. A major ninth is the same note as the second note of the scale, just one octave up. So the Fadd9 and F2 chords have the same notes, just in a different order.
Fadd9: F – A – C – G
F2: F – G – A – C

Conclusion

Now you know how to play an F2 chord on the piano, and you can use this pattern to build any other second chord!

Second chords are lots of fun to use at the piano, since the extra note adds some nice richness to a major chord. You can use them as chord substitutions in places where major chords are called for pretty often, and it will sound nice.

Using chords to play the piano is a wonderful way to enjoy music and to play creatively!