Chords are groups of notes played together, forming the harmonic backbone of music. The most basic type of chord is a triad, which consists of three notes. Understanding major and minor triads is essential for analyzing and composing music.
A triad is a chord made up of three notes stacked on top of each other. These notes are typically a root, a third, and a fifth.
The "third" and "fifth" refer to the interval (distance) from the root note. For example, if C is the root, E is a third above C, and G is a fifth above C.
Key Idea:
Triads are like the "words" of harmony, built from the "letters" (notes) of a scale.
Question: What are the notes in a G Major triad?
(Hint: Root + Major Third + Perfect Fifth. Or, 1st, 3rd, 5th of G Major scale: G-A-B-C-D-E-F♯)
Show Answer
Root: G. Major Third above G: B. Perfect Fifth above G: D. So the notes are G – B – D.
Lesson Summary
- A triad is a three-note chord, typically a root, third, and fifth.
- Major Triads (Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th) sound bright/happy. Stacked intervals: Major 3rd + Minor 3rd.
- Minor Triads (Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th) sound somber/reflective. Stacked intervals: Minor 3rd + Major 3rd.
- The quality of the third (major or minor) distinguishes major and minor triads.
- Triads are often represented by Roman numerals in music analysis (e.g., I for major, ii for minor).