Famous Piano Chords

Culturally significant chords spanning classical, jazz, rock, and film — each known by a specific name and tied to a defining moment in music history.

15 legendary chords

Cmaj9

Bill Evans Rootless Voicing — revolutionized jazz piano

Jazz R&B / Soul

Cadd2

The Mu Major Chord — Steely Dan's signature sound

Pop

Cm11

The Kenny Barron Chord — stacked-5ths jazz voicing

Jazz R&B / Soul Gospel Latin

C13#11

The Mystic Chord — Scriabin, 'Prometheus' (1910)

Jazz Funk

Dbmaj7

Coltrane Changes — 'Giant Steps' (1960)

Jazz R&B / Soul Gospel Latin

Db7#9

The Elektra Chord — R. Strauss, 'Elektra' (1909)

Funk Blues

Dm11

The So What Chord — Miles Davis, 'Kind of Blue' (1959)

Jazz R&B / Soul Gospel Latin

D7sus4

The Maiden Voyage Chord — Herbie Hancock (1965)

The Power Chord — foundation of all heavy guitar music

Rock

The Beatles Final Chord — 'A Day in the Life' (1967)

Rock Classical Pop

E7#9

The Hendrix Chord — 'Purple Haze' (1967)

Funk Blues

EmMaj9

The James Bond Chord — 'Dr. No' theme (1962)

Jazz

Fm7b5

The Tristan Chord — Wagner, 'Tristan und Isolde' (1865)

Jazz

Fadd9

The Hard Day's Night Chord — The Beatles (1964)

Pop R&B / Soul

BbmMaj7

The Hitchcock Chord — Herrmann, 'Psycho' (1960)

Jazz