Minor Triads Construction and Sound

Overview

This lesson explains how minor triads are constructed, using C minor as an example, and describes their characteristic sound.

Constructing Minor Triads

• A minor triad starts with the root note, the third, and the fifth above the root in the minor scale.
• In C minor, the triad contains C (root), E♭ (third), and G (fifth).
• The notes used come directly from the C minor scale.
• Minor triads are called by their root note (e.g., C minor triad).

Sound and Usage of Minor Triads

• Most people perceive minor triads as having a "sad" or "dark" sound.
• Minor triads are among the basic building blocks for many songs.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Triad — a chord made of three notes: the root, third, and fifth.
• Minor triad — a triad built from the first, third, and fifth notes of a minor scale; sounds sad or dark.
• Root — the starting note of a chord.
• Third — the note three scale steps above the root.
• Fifth — the note five scale steps above the root.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Practice building minor triads for different root notes using the minor scale.
• Continue to next lesson: "Get Up, Stand Up" to see how chords are used in songs.