MUSIC THEORY • Lesson 11
Triads from the Major Scale
Stack 1, 3, and 5 to build chords. Learn major, minor, and diminished. Start simple loops in any key.
Lesson goals
- Understand what a triad is
- Build triads from any major scale
- Hear and see major, minor, diminished
- Label chords with Roman numerals and letters
- Create simple loops using diatonic triads
What is a triad
A triad uses three notes from the scale. Start on a degree, skip one, skip one again. That is 1, 3, 5.
Formula
Triad = 1 + 3 + 5
Built on any scale degree
Thirds and chord quality
Major third = 4 semitones
Minor third = 3 semitones
Major triad = M3 + m3
Minor triad = m3 + M3
Diminished = m3 + m3
Think of a triad as a third with another third stacked on top.
All seven triads in C major
C major scale
C D E F G A B C
Showing triads for I (C E G) and V (G B D)
C major triads
I C E G
ii D F A
iii E G B
IV F A C
V G B D
vi A C E
vii° B D F
All seven triads in G major
G major scale
G A B C D E F♯ G
Showing triads for I (G B D) and V (D F♯ A)
G major triads
I G B D
ii A C E
iii B D F♯
IV C E G
V D F♯ A
vi E G B
vii° F♯ A C
How to label chords
Two ways to write
Letters: C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, B°
Numerals: I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii°
Uppercase = major
Lowercase = minor
Degree symbol = diminished
Practice
- Write all seven triads in C major
- Play I, IV, V back to back and listen to the movement
- Switch to G major and rebuild all seven triads
- Create a 4 chord loop using only diatonic triads
Focus on hearing the difference between major, minor, and diminished triads.
Next lesson
Up next the three primary chords: I, IV, and V. These are the backbone of songs and progressions in every key.
Continue to Lesson 12
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