Overview
Triads are the foundation of harmony in most music, built by stacking two thirds to create a three-note chord. In this module, you’ll learn how triads are constructed using a root, third, and fifth, and how these notes determine both the name and quality of the chord. You’ll also learn how the major scale can serve as a powerful tool for quickly building and identifying triads, helping you connect interval knowledge to real harmonic structures you’ll encounter in music.
Objectives
By the end of this module you should be able to:
- Identify the quality of major, minor, augmented, and diminished triads
- Build major, minor, augmented, and diminished triads
Key Terms
- Chord
- A combination of three or more notes sounded together
- Triad
- A three-note chord built by stacking two thirds
- Root
- The note that serves as the foundation of a chord and gives it its name
- Third
- The note a third above the root; helps determine the chord’s quality
- Fifth
- The note a fifth above the root; contributes to the chord’s stability and color