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Elementary · Keys, Chords & the Circle of Fifths ★★★★☆

Chord Symbols and Lead Sheets

Reading Chord Symbols Chord symbols are shorthand notations written above a melody line that tell you which chord to play. They are the standard in pop, jazz, rock, and folk music. A…

15Minutes
80XP
QuizIncluded
Level 1-2RCM level

Lesson 9 of 10 in Keys, Chords & the Circle of Fifths

Reading Chord Symbols Chord symbols are shorthand notations written above a melody line that tell you which chord to play. They are the standard in pop, jazz, rock, and folk music. A lead sheet shows just the melody and chord symbols — you create your own accompaniment. Common Chord Symbols C or Cmaj = C major (C-E-G) Cm or Cmin..

The full lesson continues with step-by-step practice, worked examples, and the end-of-lesson quiz.

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