The Definition of a Triad
A triad is a group of three notes that are played together and create a particular harmony. You can think of it as a building block of music. Every triad consists of:
- Root (the first note, which gives the chord its “name"),
- Third (the second note, which determines the character of the chord, e.g., major or minor),
- Fifth (the third note, which “fills out" the chord).
Now let’s look at the different types of triads, using the root C as an example. The difference between major, minor, diminished and augmented comes mainly from the interval between the individual notes.
The 6 Types of Triads
1. Major Triad
- Structure: root, major third, perfect fifth.
- Example in C: C – E – G.
- Sound: happy, bright, stable.
2. Minor Triad
- Structure: root, minor third, perfect fifth.
- Example in C: C – Eb – G.
- Sound: sad, dark, pensive.
3. Diminished Triad
- Structure: root, minor third, diminished fifth.
- Example in C: C – Eb – Gb.
- Sound: tense, unstable, “spooky".
4. Augmented Triad
- Structure: root, major third, augmented fifth.
- Example in C: C – E – G#.
- Sound: tense, “floating", unusual.
5. Sus2 Triad (Suspended 2)
- Structure: root, major second, perfect fifth.
- Example in C: C – D – G.
- Sound: an open, “floating" sound.
6. Sus4 Triad (Suspended 4)
- Structure: root, perfect fourth, perfect fifth.
- Example in C: C – F – G.
- Sound: tense, like a chord that wants to be “resolved".
The Same with G as the Root
1. Major Triad
- Example: G – B – D.
2. Minor Triad
- Example: G – Bb – D.
3. Diminished Triad
- Example: G – Bb – Db.
4. Augmented Triad
- Example: G – B – D#.
5. Sus2 Triad
- Example: G – A – D.
6. Sus4 Triad
- Example: G – C – D.
Why You Should Understand Triads
When you play the piano, triads are like tools. They help you accompany songs as quickly as possible, harmonize melodies or write your own songs. Almost every song is based on chords, and triads are their basic form. Once you understand the basics, you can vary your pieces much more easily and give them your own “personal touch".
Read more about the basics of chords here.
How Can You “Invert" Triads?
A triad can be played in three forms – root position and two inversions:
- Root position: The root is the lowest note.
- Example with C major: C – E – G.
- 1st inversion: The third is the lowest note.
- Example with C major: E – G – C.
- 2nd inversion: The fifth is the lowest note.
- Example with C major: G – C – E.
Inversions make your playing smoother because you need less hand movement to change from one chord to the next.
What Is a “Spread Voicing" for a Triad?
With a spread voicing, you play the notes of a triad further apart to create a more open, richer sound.
- Example with C major:
Instead of C – E – G (classic), you play:- Left hand: C (low root).
- Right hand: G (fifth) and E (third).
This sounds broader and more modern – perfect for pop music or film scores.
Triads are the harmonic foundation of music. If you understand them and use them creatively, you will be able to accompany songs on the piano much better.
Broadening Your Perspective
Understanding a single triad is one thing; the goal is then to embed it correctly in a piece. As soon as you connect one chord to the next, you create what are called chord progressions. Chords usually fall on the first beat of a bar, sometimes also on beat 3 – this is called a half-bar chord change (assuming we are in 4/4 time).
When you move from one triad to the next, the rule of thumb is always to keep the movement in the individual voices (root, third and fifth, as explained at the beginning) as small as possible. That’s why it is important that you master chord inversions and always know immediately where the next chord is. The faster you can do this, the faster you can put the harmonic framework of a song into practice and play it. Good luck!