Start somewhere new

Last time, we built our first triad using C, E, and G. We started on C and took every other note from the scale. But what happens if we start on D instead?

Here's our C-major scale. The notes are C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. Today, we're starting on D, which is position 2 in this scale. And guess what? We don't need a new rule.

Take D, skip E, take F, skip G, and take A. Use the button to walk through it with me.

Hear the difference? Same C-major scale. Same pattern. But we built a different chord by changing where we started.

If you're at a keyboard, try playing D, F, and A together. If you're just listening, try saying those three note names back to yourself.

Try G major

Now that we've tried it with C major, let's switch to G major. Remember, the notes of G major are G, A, B, C, D, E, and F-sharp.

This time, we're going to start on B. That's position 3 in G major. We're using the same take-one, skip-one pattern. Start by taking B, then skip C. Can you finish the pattern and figure out which two notes come next?

What we discovered today

We don't always have to start on the first note of a major scale to build a triad:

• In C major, we started on D and got D, F, and A (positions 2, 4, and 6).
• In G major, we started on B and got B, D, and F-sharp (positions 3, 5, and 7).

The scale's numbered positions stayed the same. We just changed our starting note and followed the take-one, skip-one pattern.

And if you noticed that some of these triads sound different from the ones we built last time, hold on to that thought. We'll listen a little more closely to those differences in our next lesson.

Want to check the idea?

This quiz is optional. Keep the visible scales beside you. It isn't a gate to continuing.

A little practice, at your pace

Choose an example to practice. Find and select the three notes, then check your answer and listen to them together. Try them on your keyboard if you can.