How do I use this chord finder?

Click the fretboard to mimic your finger placement. The tool will automatically analyze the intervals and name the chord.

Does it detect slash chords?

Yes! If you put a non-root note in the bass (lowest pitch), it will identify it as a slash chord (e.g., C/G).

ChordTools

Reverse Guitar Chord Finder

Q: What if no chord is found?

You might have found a 'cluster' or partial voicing. Try adding a root note or simplifying the shape.

Don't know the name of a chord? Click the notes on the fretboard below to find out.

Start clicking the fretboard to identify chords

How to Use the Reverse Chord Finder

This Reverse Chord Finder is designed to bridge the gap between playing and understanding. Often, guitarists discover interesting sounds by exploring the fretboard but don't know the theoretical name of the chord they've found.

Step 1: Click the fretboard above to mimic your finger placement.
Step 2: Watch as the algorithm analyzes the intervals between your selected notes.
Step 3: The tool instantly displays the primary chord name along with valid alternatives (e.g., enharmonic equivalents).

Why Chord Names Matter

Knowing the name of a chord allows you to communicate with other musicians, write easier-to-read charts, and understand function—how that chord pulls towards others in a progression.

Chord Construction Theory

Chords are built from intervals related to a root note. Major chords use a Root, Major 3rd, and Perfect 5th. Minor chords flatten that 3rd. This tool calculates these distances automatically to determine the chord quality.

Supported Chord Types

MajorMinor7thMajor 7Minor 7Sus2Sus4DiminishedAugmented

Frequently Asked Questions

What if no chord is found?

Not every combination of notes has a standard name. You might have found a cluster or a partial voicing. Try adding a root note or removing "color" notes to simplify the shape.

What are "Slash Chords"?

If you see a chord like C/G, it means a C Major chord with a G in the bass (lowest note). Our finder detects these inversions automatically.

How do I save these chords?

We're working on a "My Chordbook" feature! For now, you can take a screenshot or bookmark the URL (state saving coming soon).