Overview
This lecture explains what major triads are, how they are constructed, and their common "happy" sound in music.
What Are Major Triads?
- Triads are chords made by combining the root, third, and fifth notes of a scale.
- The notes in a major triad are the starting note (root), the note a third above (the third), and the note a fifth above (the fifth).
- In the C major scale, the C major triad consists of C (root), E (third), and G (fifth).
- Major triads are often heard as "happy" or "uplifting" chords.
Example: C Major Triad
- The C major triad is built from C (root), E (third), and G (fifth), which are the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the C major scale.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Triad — A chord made of three notes: the root, the third, and the fifth.
- Root — The starting note on which the chord is built.
- Third — The note that is the third scale degree above the root.
- Fifth — The note that is the fifth scale degree above the root.
- Major Triad — A triad with a root, major third, and perfect fifth, generally sounding "happy".
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice constructing major triads in different keys by finding the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of each major scale.
- Explore the next lesson on minor triads for comparison.