If you're learning to play an instrument or write music, you've probably come across the concept of "chords." But what exactly are chords, and how do they work? At their most basic level, chords are a group of two or more notes played together. When these notes are played together, they create a harmony that can be pleasing to the ear. There are many different types of chords, but the most common are triads. A triad is a chord made up of three notes: the root, the third, and the fifth. For example, a C major triad is made up of the notes C, E, and G. The root note is the note the chord is named after (in this case, C), the third note is two notes up from the root (E), and the fifth note is two notes up from the third (G). Chords can be played on any instrument, but they're most commonly associated with piano and guitar. On a piano, chords are played by pressing down multiple keys at the same time. On a guitar, chords are played by pressing down multiple strings with your fingers. Chords are used in all genres of music, from classical to rock to pop. They can be used to create a sense of tension and release, to provide a background for a melody, or to create a certain mood. In summary, chords are a group of two or more notes played together to create a harmony. They're used in all genres of music and can be played on any instrument. Understanding chords and their progressions is an essential skill for any musician or songwriter.