Intervals in chords

Intervals are the distances between notes. In a chord, each note has a role:

• Root (1) — The note that gives the chord its name.
• Third (3) — Major (4 semitones above root) or minor (3 semitones). This decides if the chord is major or minor.
• Fifth (5) — Usually 7 semitones above the root; can be diminished or augmented.

Seventh chords add a fourth note: the seventh (7), which can be major, minor, or diminished. These intervals are the building blocks of every chord.