How to identify a chord you’re playing
A reverse chord identifier names the chord from the notes you select—not from a song link or a full recording. WhatsChord runs in the browser: tap frets or keys, then read the name and fingering diagrams. No account is required.
How do I identify a chord I’m playing?
Open the WhatsChord identifier, tap the frets or keys that match the notes you hold, then read the chord name and diagrams. Include open strings when they ring. Switch instrument on the tool bar or use pitch-class chips on by-notes when that fits. The steps below walk through the same flow in order.
What if several chord names fit my notes?
Some note sets match more than one common formula. When that happens, WhatsChord lists candidates so you can lock the name that matches the context you hear. Always verify with your ears; naming can have more than one valid reading for the same pitch classes.
- Open the identifier. Go to the WhatsChord homepage or an instrument page. The guitar fretboard is ready by default. Choose Piano or Ukulele on the tool bar if that matches what you play.
- Tap the frets or keys you are holding. Select each sounding note on the board. Include open strings when they ring. On piano, tap the keys; on /by-notes/, tap pitch-class chips instead.
- Read the chord name and diagram. When enough notes are selected, the result area shows a chord name and one to three fingering diagrams. If several names fit, pick a candidate in the warning list to lock it.
- Optional: switch instrument or enter notes. Use Guitar, Piano, or Ukulele pages for a focused start, or /by-notes/ for pitch classes only. Clear resets the board. Preferences can stay in localStorage on your device.
FAQ
How do I identify a chord I am playing?
Open WhatsChord, tap the frets or keys that match the notes you hold, then read the chord name and fingering diagrams in the result area. Include open strings when they ring. Switch Guitar, Piano, or Ukulele if needed, or use by-notes chips when you only know pitch classes. No account is required.
Why does WhatsChord ask me to tap notes instead of pasting a song link?
WhatsChord is a reverse identifier for one chord at a time. It does not scrape YouTube, Spotify, or other catalogs, and it does not build whole-song charts. Tapping the notes you hear keeps the result tied to what is under your fingers right now.
Is this free, and do I need an account?
Yes, it is free in the browser with no sign-up or account. Preferences may stay in localStorage. Optional native ads may appear below the identifier later. The tool is not a tab editor and does not process payments on this version.