Let's simplify these formulas using whole and half steps. The formula for constructing a major chord is:

2 whole steps is called a"Major third." Any note combination that is 2 whole steps apart anywhere on the keyboard is called a "major third."

1 1/2 whole steps is called a "Minor third." Any note combination that is 1 1/2 whole steps apart anywhere on the keyboard is called a "minor third."

• minor chords (such as Am, Dm, and Em) - minor third+ major third.
• dominant seventh chords (such as C7, F7, and G7) - major third + minor third + minor third.
• minor seventh chords (such as Am7, Dm7, and Em7) - minor third + major third + minor third.
• major sixth chords (such as C6, F6, and G6) - major third + minor third + 1 whole step (see note).
• major seventh chords (such as Cmaj7, Fmaj7, and Gmaj7) - major third + minor third + major third.

Note: 1 whole step is called a "Major Second." Any note combination that is 1 whole step apart anywhere on the keyboard is called a "major second."