和音(わおん)

和音(わおん) is the formal/technical term for a musical chord, from 和(わ) (harmony) + 音(おん) (sound).

Alternative

コード (from English 'chord') is commonly used in casual and modern musical contexts, especially in popular music.

Common expressions

• 和音(わおん)を弾(ひ)く: to play a chord
• 和音(わおん)を押(お)さえる: to hold down a chord

Music terminology

• 三和音(さんわおん): triad (three-note chord)
• 不協和音(ふきょうわおん): dissonance, dissonant chord
• 協和音(きょうわおん): consonance, consonant chord
• 主和音(しゅわおん): tonic chord

Usage

和音(わおん) tends to appear in classical music education and formal contexts, while コード is standard in guitar lessons, band practice, and pop music discussions.