How to Find the Chords of a Song if You Only Know the Melody

Finding the chords of a song when you only know how to play the melody can be an enjoyable challenge! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you figure out the chords:

1. Understand the Key

Identify the key of the song. You can often do this by playing the melody and determining the note that feels like the root or the tonic. Try to play the scale starting from each note of the melody and find the one that sounds most natural and doesn’t conflict with the melody.

2. Play the Melody

Play the melody on your instrument. Listen closely to how the notes interact and which notes seem to harmonize well together. Pay attention to intervals and the way they complement each other. This will give you a clue about the underlying harmony.

3. Identify Chord Tones

Look for notes in the melody that are likely part of the chords. Usually, the melody notes will correspond to the root, third, fifth, etc. of the underlying chords. These are the fundamental notes that form the structure of the chord.

4. Try Common Chord Progressions

Many songs use common chord progressions. Start with basic progressions in the key you identified such as: I-IV-V e.g. C-F-G in C major I-vi-ii-V e.g. C-Am-Dm-G in C major Play these chords while you play the melody to see which ones fit. Common progressions like these can provide a good starting point.

5. Use a Chord Chart

If you have access to a chord chart for the song, use it as a reference. This can help you see how the melody aligns with the chords and give you an idea of the chords being used in the song. Musical notation software can also be helpful for this purpose.

6. Listen to the Song

If possible, listen to a recording of the song. Pay attention to the chord changes and how they correspond with the melody. This can help you pinpoint where certain chords are used. Listening to different versions of the song can also provide additional insights.

7. Experiment and Adjust

Don’t hesitate to try different chords. Sometimes unexpected chords can work well with the melody. Experiment with substitutions or inversions to find the best sound. Try playing the melody with different chord inversions and voicings to see what sounds most harmonious.

8. Use Software or Apps

There are apps and software available that can help you analyze songs and suggest chords based on the melody. Consider using tools like or ChordPro for additional assistance. These tools can analyze the melody and suggest potential chord progressions.

9. Practice

Once you find chords that work, practice playing the melody with the chords to develop a cohesive sound. Adjust as necessary based on how it feels. Practice both the melody and the chords separately and then together to ensure they fit seamlessly.

10. Transcribe

If you're comfortable, write down the chord changes along with the melody. This will help you remember what you've figured out and can serve as a reference for future practice. Transcribing the song can also improve your understanding of the structure and harmony of the piece. By following these steps, you should be able to find suitable chords for the melody you know. Happy playing!

Keywords: song chords, melody, chord progressions, playing techniques, key identification