What Are Triads, Learn the basics behind the 4 different types of common triads Options

[The Professor]

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.


Major Triads for Guitar

Minor Triads for Guitar

Diminished Triads for Guitar

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.

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