What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chord
Example
He played a beautiful chord on the piano. [chord: noun]
Example
She strummed the guitar, creating a chord progression. [chord: noun]
music
Example
I love listening to classical music. [music: noun]
Example
They are studying music theory at the conservatory. [music: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Music is a more commonly used word than chord in everyday language. It is a universal term that people use to refer to the art form, while chord is a more specialized term used primarily in discussions about playing instruments and composing music.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between chord and music?
While chord is a technical term associated with a more formal tone, music is a versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.