Posted by: The Professor Mar 20 2013, 09:28 AM
What Is a Triad?
As guitarists, we play triads every day of our lives, well most of us do, and they are an integral part of many of our musical lives.
But what exactly are triads?
Simply put, triads are three-note chords that are built from the Root, 3rd and 5th of the Major Scale, Minor Scale, Diminished Scale or Augmented Scale.
Here is an example of the four types of Triads (Major, Minor, Diminished and Augmented) written out above the root-note C.
As you can see, each of these Triads has a C, E and G, but that the Minor, Diminished and Augmented have variations of these notes that include Sharps and Flats.
(For a refresher on these accidentals check out the articles “What Are Sharps” and “What Are Flats.”)
Here are the formulas you can use to determine any of these triads from any root-note.
Major Triad = R 3 5 of the Major Scale
Minor Triad = R b3 5 of the Major Triad
Diminished Triad = R b3 b5 of the Major Triad
Augmented Triad = R 3 #5 of the Major Triad
So, if you know your major scales, you can build a Major Triad from the R, 3 and 5 of that scale, like we did with C, E and G.
Then, to make an Augmented Triad you simply raise the 5th, G, by a half-step and you get C, E G#.
To make a Minor Triad, you lower the 3rd, E, by a half-step and you get C, Eb and G.
And finally, to make a Diminished Triad, you take a Major Triad and lower the 3rd and 5th to get C, Eb and Gb.
So, there you have a short introduction to Triads. You can read further, and learn how to play these triads on guitar, by checking out the following articles.
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=47757
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=47853
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=47993
Test Your Theory Knowledge
After you’ve checked out the different formulas for each triad, go ahead and write some out in the thread below and I’ll be happy to check your work to make sure you’re on the right path.
If you have any questions about these triads, or any theory related question, feel free to post it in the thread below.
Posted by: The Professor Mar 20 2013, 10:50 AM
QUOTE (Headbanger @ Mar 20 2013, 09:45 AM)
Hey,
Sure thing, here is an article that talks about the construction of the major scale itself that might be helpful.
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=47641
And here is the formula for the triads in Major and Natural Minor Scales.
Major - Maj min min Maj Maj min dim
Minor - min dim Maj min min Maj Maj
Hope that helps!
Posted by: Headbanger Mar 20 2013, 03:56 PM
QUOTE (The Professor @ Mar 20 2013, 10:50 AM)
Hey,
Sure thing, here is an article that talks about the construction of the major scale itself that might be helpful.
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=47641
And here is the formula for the triads in Major and Natural Minor Scales.
Major - Maj min min Maj Maj min dim
Minor - min dim Maj min min Maj Maj
Hope that helps!
Thanks Matt... that's just what I was looking for cheers
Posted by: The Professor Mar 20 2013, 04:18 PM
Great, glad it's helpful!