To understand triads we have to look at the major scale. The C major scale is made up of notes C, D, E, F, G, A and B. If we take the first note, third note and fifth note of this scale, we get a major triad. Flattening the third note by a semitone gives us a minor triad. The C major triad has the notes C, E and G. The C minor triad has the notes C, Eb and G.
There are five different types of triads. They are: major, minor, diminished, augmented and suspended 4.
Major (1, 3, 5) (C E G)Minor (1, flat 3, 5) (C Eb G)Diminished (1, flat 3, flat 5) (C Eb Gb)Augmented (1, 3, sharp 5) (C E G#)Suspended 4 (1 4 5) (C F G)
The first note of the scale is called the root. In this case, C is the root note. When a chord is stacked with the Root note on the bottom, 3rd in the middle and 5th on top it is in root position. When the 3rd is on the bottom, 5th in the middle and the root note is on top it is 1st inversion. When the 5th note is on the bottom, the root note is in the middle and the 3rd note is on top it is in 2nd inversion.
All triads can be put into root position, 1st inversion and 2nd inversion. For example; D minor has the root note D, the 3rd note F and the 5th note A. Root position would be D F A. First inversion would be F A D. 2nd inversion would be A D F. Inversions become very useful when applied to chord progressions.
If we compare the C major triad (C E G) with the A minor triad (A C E), we see they have the two notes C and E in common. The G note from the C major triad is only a tone away from the A note in the A minor triad. If We played a progression which had C major going to A minor we could use an inversion to get between the two triads quickly. If C major was in root position an(C E G), then you would use A minor in 1st inversion (C E A). This limits finger movement for a guitarist which is of great use for getting quickly between chords.
Triads should be used as part of daily practice. They can be highly effective when used in performance situations. They can provide different options when composing songs.
C. Thompson is a guitar tutor who has many year experience in playing music. His philosophy for teaching is that all lessons must be fun. If the students is having fun then they will enjoy there instrument more and therefore, learn more.
Guitar Teachers Blog
Triads Part 1
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