Triads
Triads
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Harmony in Western music is based on triads, which is also a kind of chord. Triads are simple three-note chords built of thirds. (Tri=3).
Triads in Root Position
Triads in Root Position
The chords below are written in root position, which is the most basic way to write a triad. In root position, the root, which is the note that names the chord, is the lowest note. The third of the chord is written a third higher than the root, and the fifth of the chord is written a fifth higher than the root (which is also a third higher than the third of the chord). You can build a triad from any scale by simply notating the root (1st step), third and fifth of any scale. So the simplest way to write a triad is as a stack of thirds, in root position.
NOTE: if you do not have a keyboard at home, https://www.musictheory.net/piano is a great way to actually hear the notes as you play them.
All triads use the notes A through G (for example, A-C-E, B-D-F, etc.), and use the same accidentals as the scale from which they are drawn - if they are drawn from the major scale, they are major triads. If they are drawn from the minor scale, they are minor triads.
Basic Triads in Major Keys
Basic Triads in Major Keys
Any chord might show up in any key, but some chords are much more likely than others. The most likely chords to show up in a key are the chords that use only the notes in that key (no accidentals). You just build a triad on each successive note, and keep the same accidentals. So these chords have both names and numbers that tell how they fit into the key. (We'll just discuss basic triads for the moment, not seventh chords or other added-note or altered chords.) The chords are numbered using Roman numerals from I to vii.
Many types of music use only diatonic triads, which are the seven chords built on each of the notes in the chosen major or minor scale.
Major and Minor Chords
Major and Minor Chords
The most commonly used triads form major chords and minor chords. All major chords and minor chords have an interval of a perfect fifth between the root and the fifth of the chord. A perfect fifth (7 half-steps) can be divided into a major third (4 half-steps) plus a minor third. (3 half-steps). If the interval between the root and the third of the chord is the major third (with the minor third between the third and the fifth of the chord), the triad is a major chord. If the interval between the root and the third of the chord is the minor third (and the major third is between the third and fifth of the chord), then the triad is a minor chord. Listen closely to major and minor triads here:
SO - a major triad is based on the CEG pattern, or a M3 topped by a m3, repeating the middle note. A minor triad is based on the ACE pattern, or a m3 topped by a M3, repeating the middle note.
Here is a video-illustrated explanation of building triads.
PRACTICE BUILDING TRIADS HERE! Make sure that you check Root Position under "Inversions," and Major and Minor under "Chord Types."
Now Test Yourself!
Now practice hearing (and seeing!) the difference between major and minor triads!
https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/Chords/
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