Embedded Files
Objectives
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Spell and identify major, minor, augmented, and diminished triads in root position using lead sheet notation.
Define the terms: triad, root, third, and fifth.
Aurally identify triads by quality as major, minor, or diminished when played as a block chord or arpeggiated.
Preparation for Class
Preparation for Class
Read:
Read:
"Triads" (OMT)
"Introduction to Triads" and "Lead-Sheet Symbols" (MT21st)
Explore: Play around with the sounds of the major, minor, and diminished triads in this interactive space on LightNote.
Watch
Watch
Triads (Brad Harrison, 4 mins)
Watch 0:00–3:50
Triads (Brad Harrison, 4 mins)
Watch 0:00–3:50
Triads (Sean Atkinson, 22 mins)
Triads (Sean Atkinson, 22 mins)
Triad Construction & ID (Louden, 8 mins)
Watch 1:58–9:24
Triad Construction & ID (Louden, 8 mins)
Watch 1:58–9:24
The Triad Chant (Louden, 3 mins)
Watch the video to the left, then watch 8:24–11:28 of this video to practice the triad chant.
Practice
Practice
Musition: Chords (Lvl 1–4)
Musition: Jazz Chord Symbols (Lvl 1–3)
Auralia: Chord Imitation (Lvl 1–4)
Auralia: Chord Singing (Lvl 1–4)
Auralia: Chord Recognition (Lvl 1–3)
Quizlet Flashcards: Major Triad Construction with: All Major, Triads on FCG, Triads on DAE, Triads on B
Quizlet Flashcards: All Triad Construction, Minor Triad Construction, Triad ID.
MusicTheory.net: Triad ID, Major Triad Construction, All Triad Construction
Study Aids
Study Aids
Two Methods for Constructing Triads
Two Methods for Constructing Triads
Method 1: The Scale Method
Method 1: The Scale Method
Method 2: The "Grouping Method" for Spelling Major Triads
In-Class Activities
In-Class Activities
Discussion
Discussion
Building Triads: Discuss the pros and cons of different methods for constructing triads. Harrison's video above uses the "scale method," where each note above the root is adjusted to fit within the major scale of the root note. Louden's video uses the "grouping method" where triads are constructed based on patterns of accidentals. Triads can also be constructed by thinking in terms of intervals, stacking major or minor thirds above a root. Which method works best for you?
Listening to Triads: Listen to each triad played as a block chord and arpeggiated. What types of associations do you make with each? Which triads sound consonant or dissonant? Why? Can you think of any examples in songs that you associate with these triads either as arpeggiations or as a block chord?
Activities
Activities
Triad Quality in the Scale: Construct a triad on each step of the major and minor scale, then identify each triad by type (major, minor, diminished, or augmented) using lead sheet notation.
Triad Singing: The instructor plays a block major or minor triad. Students try to find the root first, then sing the triad from bottom to top (then back down). The same is repeated starting on different roots.
For an extra challenge, try diminished chords too!
Triad Chants
Step 1: Stacking Thirds: Start on F and stack a triad without accidentals (F - A - C), then stack another triad on top of that (C - E - G), then another triad on top of that (G - B - D), etc. until you arrive back at F (B - D - F). Try to repeat the chant back at a quick steady rhythm as a class, repeating it quicker each time. Don't worry about triad quality or accidentals, just focus on stacking thirds quickly.
Step 2: Stacking Major Triads: Repeat the same process above, but this time make each triad a major triad by adjusting accidentals as you go. Starting on F, your chant will go: F-A-C, C-E-G, G-B-D, D-F#-A, A-C#-E . . .keep going until you end up back at F. Repeat the same chant, starting on Fb and F#. (See the Triad Chant video above for a demonstration and visual to help).
For an added challenge, try the same chant with minor triads and diminished triads.
Triad Speed Challenge: Race against your classmates to see who can get the highest score in each level before the timer runs up. Record the highest running scores on the board. Scores only count if you have 100% correct, so accuracy matters. If you miss a chord, restart from the top! Work until your instructor yells "stop!".
Spell Triads: Level 1 (Major only), Level 2 (Minor Only), Level 3 (M/m/d/A Triads)
ID Triads: Major/Minor/Dim/Aug
Worksheets for Classroom Practice
Triad ID & Construction: Worksheet 1, Worksheet 2, Worksheet 3
Extra Practice for:
Triad ID: Worksheet 1, Worksheet 2, Worksheet 3
Triad Construction: Worksheet 1, Worksheet 2, p. 7
Repertoire for Practice
Repertoire for Practice
Reading Chord Notation: For each of the song excerpts in the Triad Spelling section of your anthology here, spell the triads indicated by the lead sheet notation. Spell the chords out on staff paper or write out their letter names, as indicated by your instructor.
Want to Learn More?
Want to Learn More?
Ableton has a fun site for experimenting with different topics in fundamentals. Check out their interactive lesson on chords to try out different sounds and see harmony in action in a few songs.
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