What Is the Difference between "Chord" and "Cord"? "Chord" and "cord" are easy to confuse because they sound identical. "Chord" is 3 or more music notes sounded together. For example: What are the easiest chords to play on a guitar? "Cord" is a rope, bond, or electrical cable. Cord is also used to describe 128 cubic feet of wood (usually firewood). Key Characteristics Comparison Beyond definitions and etymology, chords and cords diverge in other characteristics: Chord Features Immaterial - chords as sound waves have no physical presence. Transient - musical chords briefly occur then fade. mqwW.