gen-define-triads-and-chord-construction-and-give-one-short-work-490c

Define triads and chord construction and give one short worked example.

# Triads and Chord Construction ## Definition A **triad** is a three-note chord built by stacking two intervals of a third on top of each other. It consists of: - **Root**: the foundation note - **Third**: a note a 3rd above the root - **Fifth**: a note a 5th above the root ## Four Types of Triads 1. **Major**: Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th 2. **Minor**: Root + minor 3rd + Perfect 5th 3. **Diminished**: Root + minor 3rd + diminished 5th 4. **Augmented**: Root + Major 3rd + Augmented 5th ## Worked Example: C Major Triad **Starting note (root): C** 1. **Find the third**: Count up 3 letter names (C-D-E) = **E** - C to E = 4 semitones (major 3rd) ✓ 2. **Find the fifth**: Count up 5 letter names (C-D-E-F-G) = **G** - C to G = 7 semitones (perfect 5th) ✓ **Result: C Major triad = C - E - G** --- *Quick tip*: On a piano, C major uses only white keys. To build triads from any root, simply stack the root, skip one key, add the third, skip one key, add the fifth.