The Scariest + Creepiest Chords AND How to Use Them

What are the scariest chords? The creepiest chords? It's certainly subjective, but this video covers a quick list of spooky chords and advice on how to use them effectively.

You'll notice that the majority of these chords revolve around a minor triad — and that shouldn't be a surprise. Minor has a tendency to skew toward the dark and sinister...

Chords Covered

• Minor triads
• Minor add9
• Minor-Major 7th (minMaj7)
• Minor ♭6
• Augmented Major 7th
• Cluster chords

The Demo Progression

The intro song uses every chord mentioned (in order), with the exception of the AugMaj7:

Em → Em(add9) → Em(maj7) → Em(♭6) → Em → B♭m → B cluster

Theory Note: Augmented Triad Spelling

An E Augmented triad is composed of a root, major third, and augmented 5th. The 5th of E is B, and augmenting it makes B#, which is enharmonically equivalent to C. The correct spelling is E - G# - B#, but in practice, calling it E - G# - C is perfectly fine for making music.