Review: Types of Triads
A chord is the simultaneous sounding of three or more notes. A chord with three notes is referred to as a triad, comprised of a root, third, and fifth.
There are four types of triads: major, minor, augmented, and diminished.
Commercial chord symbols are written above the chord and are useful for quick identification of triads. Use capital letters for all triads, add a lower case “m” for minor triads, a plus sign for augmented triads, and a superscript circle for diminished triads.
Practice the diatonic sequential broken chord drills in the Diatonic Musicianship section to become more familiar with the qualities of the four triad types.
Triads can be identified by the intervals over the root.
Major |
Minor |
Augmented |
Diminished |
|
| Fifth | P5 | P5 | A5 (+) | d5 (o) |
| Third | M3 | m3 | M3 | m3 |
| Root | Root | Root | Root | Root |
Practice