⑪ Reverse Lookup for Chord/Scale Names from the Fretboard
A tool for reverse-looking-up the chord names and scale names that match the notes you select on the fretboard.
It supports not only guitar but also bass, multi-string instruments, and a left-handed display.
If you want to check the positions of any chord or scale → please use ⑩ Visualize a String Instrument Fretboard.
※ If you use a PC and own a MIDI keyboard → there is also MIDI Keyboard Reverse Lookup for Chord/Scale Names.
[Basic Operation]
Tap the note names in the fretboard view.
The results update automatically.
[Tuning Types]
We have compiled the tunings of major string instruments such as guitar, bass, and violin.
Simply choose one from the dropdown list, and the corresponding fretboard is drawn.
[Handedness]
You can switch between right-handed and left-handed display from "Fretboard display" at the bottom of the screen.
[Number of Frets]
You can choose a value from 1 to 30 in the dropdown list.
[Note Name Notation]
The note names on the fretboard can be chosen from four systems: English/American, Italian, Japanese, and German.
If you are a beginner, the Italian system (Do, Re, Mi…) may feel more familiar.
[Open-String Transpose Lock]
The "open-string transpose lock" button toggles whether the transpose buttons also transpose the open strings.
When examining chord forms that use open strings, it is better to keep them locked.
[Coloring Rules]
Notes are colored relative to the specified tonic (root note), in a movable-do fashion.
For example, the tonic (root note) is blue, and the perfect 5th is yellow.
Enharmonic notes share the same color.
For example, the major 3rd and the diminished 4th are both green.
[Chord Information]
How to read the chord and its detailed information are shown.
For chords with a dominant function, the main resolution chord is also shown.
※ The main resolution target is determined based on the augmented 4th interval contained within the chord.
Chords shown in red are hybrid chords (e.g., B♭/C).
Chords shown in blue are USTs (upper structure triads) (e.g., D/C).
[Checking Scales by Ear]
Clicking (tapping) the "Play sound" button, the keyboard, or a note name plays the sound of the "main scales that contain this combination of notes."
To stop the sound while it is playing, click (tap) anywhere on the screen.
You can adjust the volume with the "Volume" slider.
[Handling of Enharmonic Notes]
This page does not make strict distinctions between enharmonic notes.
Reference article: An Explanation of Enharmonic Notes [What Is the Difference Between C♯ and D♭?] (Japanese)
[Accuracy of Information]
The information provided here may not be accurate.
Of course, we take the greatest care in publishing information and materials.
However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the published content.
If you find any incorrect information, we would appreciate it if you could let us know via the contact form.
[Disclaimer]
We accept no responsibility whatsoever, for any reason, for any damage arising in connection with the use or download of the information and materials published on this site.
[The Meaning of Knowing the Main Scales That Contain a Chord's Notes]
A chord's role changes depending on the surrounding flow and its position relative to the key in use.
Information about the main scales that contain a chord's notes can serve as a reference for modal interchange and modulation.
[About Negative Harmony Theory]
The idea of dividing the circle of fifths between the key's tonic and its perfect 5th, holding that "notes in symmetrical positions are interchangeable."
It is a theory proposed by Ernst Levy and said to have been widely popularized by Jacob Collier.
[About Quartal Chords]
A "quartal chord (quartal harmony)" is a chord built by stacking notes a fourth apart from the root.
Note that "fourth" here refers to the "perfect 4th" and the "augmented 4th" (since the "diminished 4th" is the enharmonic equivalent of the "major 3rd").
There is still no widely agreed-upon chord-name notation for quartal chords.
Therefore, the chord names used on this site are merely one example, and, at least as of 2024, cannot be said to be a common notation.
◆ Making You Understand "the Notes on the Fretboard" (Japanese)
A video explaining how to learn the notes on the guitar fretboard.
◆ 7 Chords Guitar Beginners Should Learn, and Why [with TAB] (Japanese)
An article featuring a curated selection of recommended chords for accompaniment and singing while playing.
◆ Guitar Chord Chart Without Open Strings (Japanese)
A PDF of sheet music (with TAB) compiling "chord forms without open strings" for more than 30 chords.
◆ Guitar Chord Chart Using Open Strings (Japanese)
A PDF of sheet music (with TAB) compiling a large number of "chord forms using open strings."
◆ [Music Theory Learning Roadmap] Where Should You Start Studying Music Theory? (Japanese)
An article summarizing how to approach learning music theory.
◆ Slash Chords Explained [Inversions / UST / Hybrid Chords] (Japanese)
An article explaining the types and roles of slash chords.
◆ Substitute Chords, and the Concept of USTs and Hybrid Chords (Japanese)
An article summarizing how to think about substitute chords, USTs (upper structure triads), and hybrid chords.
◆ The Story of Making an App for Easily Exploring Negative Harmony (Japanese)
An article summarizing an overview of negative harmony.
[Web]
◆ Interview: Jacob Collier (Part 1) (YouTube)
◆ How to Name or Notate Quartal Chords (YouTube)
[Books]
◆ Blue Notes and Tonality: Fundamental Theory for Improvisation and Composition (Japanese)
Author: Motohiko Hamase
First edition: 1998/12/11
Publisher: Zen-On Music
Authors: Naruyoshi Kikuchi, Yoshio Otani
First edition: 2010/5/1
Publisher: Kawade Shobo Shinsha
Authors: Naruyoshi Kikuchi, Yoshio Otani
First edition: 2010/5/1
Publisher: Kawade Shobo Shinsha
◆ More! A Book for Composing Just the Way You Want (Japanese)
Author: Ken Kawamura
First edition: 2018/6/25
Publisher: Rittor Music
◆ Vaideology: Basic Music Theory for Guitar Players (Japanese edition)
Author: Steve Vai
First edition: 2019/10/17
Publisher: Shinko Music
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