Major and minor chords are important parts of piano music, and they each create different feelings and sounds.

1. What They Are:

• A major chord has three notes: the root, major third, and perfect fifth. For example, a C major chord includes C (the root), E (the major third), and G (the perfect fifth).
• A minor chord also has three notes: the root, minor third, and perfect fifth. For instance, a C minor chord includes C (the root), E flat (the minor third), and G (the perfect fifth).

2. How They Differ:

• In a major chord, the distance between the root and the major third is 4 half-steps. In a minor chord, the distance from the root to the minor third is 3 half-steps.
• The perfect fifth is the same in both chords, at 7 half-steps.

3. Feelings They Create:

• Major chords sound bright and happy. They often make you feel cheerful.
• Minor chords sound sad or a little gloomy; they can bring out deeper emotions. Many pop and classical songs use major chords to create a joyful feeling.

Knowing the differences between these chords helps beginners create basic chord progressions and improve their piano playing.