Chords - Triads
Learn the concept of chords and the types and structure of triads.
1. What is a Chord?
A chord is a sound formed by two or more notes played simultaneously. Through various combinations of notes, chords richly express musical emotions, create diverse atmospheres, and beautifully support melodies.
Chords are generally built by stacking notes in intervals of thirds based on the root note. The most basic form, a triad, consists of three notes. Additional notes can be added to create richer sounds with four, five, or more tones.
Chords are easily found in song sheets and are the foundation of many pieces of music we enjoy. Therefore, chords are an essential and fascinating element to learn when studying music.
2. What is a Triad?
A triad is the most basic form of chord consisting of three notes. It is generally made up of the root, the third, and the fifth. These notes are arranged at specific intervals, producing four types of triads.
The Four Types of Triads
(Click on the chords to hear their sounds!)
As seen above, there are four types of triads.
- Major Triad
- Minor Triad
- Augmented Triad
- Diminished Triad
Each triad is defined by the intervals of the third and fifth, giving it a unique character and mood. Let’s explore these four triads and the special suspended chord in detail.
3. Major Triad
The major triad is the most basic and widely used triad. It consists of the root, major third (4 semitones above the root), and perfect fifth (7 semitones above the root), giving a bright and stable feeling. For example, the C Major Triad is composed of C (root), E (major third), and G (perfect fifth). It is commonly used across genres like pop, classical, and jazz.
The C Major Triad is often simply called the C major chord or just C. Notations include C Major, CM, Cmaj, and C, but the simplest form 'C' is most common.
This music score dynamically displays chords based on the selected root and chord type, and plays the corresponding sound.
Select the root note and listen to the components and sound of the major triad!
4. Minor Triad
The minor triad is one of the most frequently used triads alongside the major triad, providing a dark and calm feeling. It consists of the root, minor third (3 semitones above the root), and perfect fifth (7 semitones above the root). For example, the A Minor Triad consists of A (root), C (minor third), and E (perfect fifth). It is important across genres for expressing emotions and setting moods.
The A Minor Triad is often called the A minor chord or simply Am. Notations include A Minor, Amin, and Am, with 'Am' being the most common.
This music score dynamically displays chords based on the selected root and chord type, and plays the corresponding sound.
Select the root note and listen to the components and sound of the minor triad!
5. Augmented Triad
The augmented triad has a bright, sharp, and tense character. It consists of the root, major third (4 semitones above the root), and augmented fifth (8 semitones above the root). For example, the C Augmented Triad is C (root), E (major third), and G# (augmented fifth).
The C Augmented Triad is usually called the C augmented chord or simply Caug. Notations include C Augmented, Caug, C+, with 'Caug' or 'C+' being most common.
This music score dynamically displays chords based on the selected root and chord type, and plays the corresponding sound.
Select the root note and listen to the components and sound of the augmented triad!
6. Diminished Triad
The diminished triad creates a dark, unstable, and tense atmosphere. It consists of the root, minor third (3 semitones above the root), and diminished fifth (6 semitones above the root). For example, the B Diminished Triad is B (root), D (minor third), and F (diminished fifth).
The B Diminished Triad is called the B diminished chord or simply Bdim. Notations include B Diminished, Bdim, and B°, with 'Bdim' or 'B°' being most common.
This music score dynamically displays chords based on the selected root and chord type, and plays the corresponding sound.
Select the root note and listen to the components and sound of the diminished triad!
7. Suspended Chord
Suspended chords differ from the four traditional triads by omitting the third and replacing it with either a perfect fourth or major second. Though different from traditional triads built on thirds, suspended chords still consist of three notes and are broadly considered triads.
The sus4 chord, which uses the perfect fourth, is the most common. It consists of the root, perfect fourth (5 semitones above the root), and perfect fifth (7 semitones above the root). For example, the C Suspended 4th chord contains C (root), F (perfect fourth), and G (perfect fifth). It is often called 'C sus' and written as 'Csus4'.
This music score dynamically displays chords based on the selected root and chord type, and plays the corresponding sound.
Select the root note and listen to the components and sound of the suspended chord!
8. Summary
In this chapter, we learned the four basic triads and the suspended chord. To better understand and use more advanced harmony concepts such as seventh chords and tensions later, it’s important to solidify your understanding of intervals and triads first. Building this foundation will help you grasp harmonic theory more easily and apply it effectively in music.