Play your first chord
- Enable Camera and allow access. Keep both hands visible.
- Raise only your left index finger, with the other fingers folded, to select I.
- Raise one right-hand finger and hold both hands steady until the chord sounds.
- Move your right hand higher for louder sound or lower for quieter sound. Tilt it to change tone.
A left fist mutes the instrument. Your palm or the back of your hand may face the camera.
Try I → IV → V → I
Keep one right-hand finger raised. On your left hand, move from index only (I), to four fingers without the thumb (IV), to all five fingers (V), then back to index only.
Change slowly and listen to each chord. Wrist tilt chooses Major or Minor; keep the same tilt while practicing.
For a song to follow, open Guided Songs.
Left-hand chord shapes
- I: index
- II: index + middle
- III: index + middle + ring
- IV: index + middle + ring + pinky
- V: all five fingers
- VI: index + pinky
- VII: index + pinky + thumb
The combination matters, not just the finger count. See the beginner guide for more controls.
Gesture chord questions
Why does a recognized left hand stay silent?
Both hands are required. Keep 1–4 fingers raised on your right hand and hold the pose steady. A left fist means mute; an unrecognized combination will not select a new chord.
Can I play chords without a camera?
Yes. Open Keyboard Mode to play with keys or the on-screen chord buttons.
How is this different from Theremin Mode?
Gesture Chords selects harmonies using fixed finger combinations. The online theremin uses hand position to change continuous pitch and volume.
Want a retro loop? Try the 8-Bit Music Generator to create music or convert an audio file.