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Build the Chord

Spell a chord by ear: play each of its tones and watch them light up one by one.

3 minutes
BPM 40120
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Why This Exercise Matters

Knowing the notes inside a chord — not just its shape — unlocks arpeggios, target notes for soloing, and chord substitutions. Spelling chords by ear cements the link between theory and the fretboard.

How to Practice

  1. 1A chord name appears (e.g. 'Am') — play its tones one at a time, not as a strum.
  2. 2Enable Pitch Detect so each tone (Root / 3rd / 5th) lights up as you find it.
  3. 3Collect all of the chord's tones; a fresh chord appears every 25 seconds.

Tips & Techniques

  • Start from the root, then find the 3rd and 5th — you can play them anywhere on the neck.
  • Minor chords have a flat 3rd; major chords a natural 3rd. Listen to the colour.
  • Let each note ring clearly so the detector locks onto a single pitch.
  • Octave doesn't matter — any register of the tone counts.

Skills You'll Develop

harmonymusic theory

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