**Chord symbols**, also known as lead-sheet or jazz symbols (because of their use in jazz scores), are symbols placed above the staff that identify and label harmonies. A chord symbol indicates the root of a chord, its quality, and any alterations. ## Triads **Example 1** below shows chord symbols for the four types of triads. Major triads are represented by the names of their roots as uppercase letters alone. For example, the chord symbol for the E major triad below is just “E.” Minor triads are represented by the names of their roots plus a lowercase “m.” Diminished triads are indicated by their root plus a “º” and augmented triads by their roots plus a “$\mathrm{^{+}}$.” **Example 1.** Chord symbols for the four types of triads. ![[chord symbols example 1.png]] ## Seventh Chords **Example 2** below shows chord symbols for the five common types of seventh chords: major ($\mathrm{^{Δ7}}$), dominant ($\mathrm{^{7}}$), minor ($\mathrm{m^{7}}$), half-diminished ($\mathrm{^{𝆩7}}$), and fully diminished ($\mathrm{^{°7}}$) **Example 2.** Chord symbols for seventh chords. ![[chord symbols example 2.png]]