THE BOND CHORD ON PIANO

Arguably the most famous and distinctive chord, is the mysterious and enticing James Bond chord. It’s iconic, and essential for every Pianist and Guitarist to learn.

Who composed the Bond chord? The Bond chord was given to the character by composer Monty Norman (arranged by John Barry), and was first heard in the first Bond film, Dr. No in 1962, starring Sean Connery as the 007 Spy.

In music theory technical terms, the chord is called an EmMaj9. This means it’s an E minor triad, with the major 7th and 9th added, that has been most commonly played as a split guitar chord (from lowest to highest) in root position; E G B D# F#.

The formula to play this chord from any note is: 3 semitones – 4 semitones – 4 semitones – 3 semitones.

We’ve heard this chord feature in the opening sequence songs; such as the end chord to Billie Eilish’s ‘No Time To Die‘. Adele’s ‘Skyfall‘, however, features a very similar chord (a softer version, if you will), which is a Cm9. This chord doesn’t include the major 7th and instead remains as a minor 7th. The notes are: C Eb G Bb D. Piano tutorials for these two songs can be found below.

If you’d like to watch a free lesson that teaches you how to play the Bond chord on Piano and what it actually sounds like, please click ‘Play‘ on the video below.