In the PIANO CHORD DICTIONARY, all chords are presented in root position. In root position, the name of the chord is the key furthest to the left in the chord, thus a C chord in root position has a C as the key furthest to the left in the chord. Chords are, for the purpose of this study, intended to be played by the left hand. The style of pop piano known as SINGER-SONGWRITER, or LEAD SHEET STYLE, is dependent on this setup: melody in right hand, chords in left hand, and is the best place for beginners to start.
In general, a beginner's strategy should be to play chords with the left hand, and the melody with the right hand. The keyboard is shown with Piano by Number stickers applied as in the print version of PIANO CHORD DICTIONARY.
In the diagram below you will see the printed symbol for the chord, such as C, which is what you will encounter in popular sheet music. Underneath are alternate printed names (and symbols, such as triangles, etc.) such as C maj7, that pop musicians have devised, and which may appear in sheet music depending on the age of the printed sheet music you are using.
The C chord is comprised of white keys. It is the first chord you should learn. It is also called "C major." This same chord may use a variety of chord symbols in sheet music, such as C ma and C maj. As a beginner, think of it as the center of the universe.
