Julie Swihart

Second Chords

Let’s look at how to play a G2 (G second) chord on the piano. We’ll also learn the pattern for playing 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.

Since major chords are built with the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale, we can build a second chord using the first, second, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale.

If you’re not sure how to build a major scale, you can learn here.

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 a G2 Chord

So to build a G2 chord, we’ll start by building a G major chord. We’ll find the first, third and fifth notes of the G major scale: G – B – D.

Then to convert the G major chord into a G2 chord, we’ll add the second note of the G major scale, A.

So to play a G2 chord, we’ll play:

G – A – B – D

You can use this pattern to build any second chord on the piano. First build a major chord, then add the second note of the matching major scale.

Add9 Chords

Second chords use the same notes as add9 chords. An add9 chord is a major chord with the ninth note of the scale added to the chord. Since scales don’t actually have nine notes, the ninth refers to the note you would play if the scale were repeated into the next octave. This is the same note as the second note of the scale.

So a G2 chord and a Gadd9 chord have the same notes, just in a different order:

G2: G – A – B – D
Gadd9: G – B – D – A

Other Chord Types

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

Major
Minor
Augmented
Diminished
Minor second
Fifth
Suspended
Sixth
Minor sixth
Seventh
Minor seventh
Major seventh
Ninth
Minor ninth
Major ninth

Conclusion

Now you know how to play a G2 chord on the piano, and you can use this pattern to build any second chord!

Second chords sound really nice. You can often use them as substitutes for major chords, since the second note can add some nice depth and variety to major chords.