Triads: Introduction

Triads are composed of three notes stacked in thirds. A major triad is formed by stacking a major third on top of a minor third, while a minor triad is formed by stacking a minor third on top of a major third. A diminished triad consists of two stacked minor thirds, and an augmented triad consists of two stacked major thirds.

Types of Triads

Image of a musical staff depicting four one-bar examples of triads in the key of C. The first bar shows a C major triad consisting of the notes C, E, and G. The second bar shows a C minor triad consisting of the notes C, E-flat, and G. The third bar shows a C diminished triad consisting of the notes C, E-flat, and G-flat. The fourth bar shows a C augmented triad consisting of the notes C, E, and G-sharp.

The next sections will show you how to practice the triads on your instrument. After that, we will examine the harmonic contexts in which these triads can be applied, and explore their usage in improvisation.