TriadsChapter 7

Chords & TriadsTriads-3 or more note chords

When triads are spelled in thirds, the lowest interval is the Root and the highest pitch is the Fifth. The Third is the middle note right above the root

When the root is in the bottom is is considered in Root Position

Triads in the Major Scale

Major Triads are built on scale degrees, 1, 4, & 5. They are built by having a M3 with a m3 on top of it.

Minor Triads are built on scale degrees, 2,3, & 6. They are built by having a m3 with a M3 on top of it.

Diminished Triad is built on scale degree 7. It is made up of two m3’s on top of each other

Triad Qualities in Minor Keys

Major Triads; 3, 5, 6, & 7

Minor Triads; 1, 4, 5

Diminished Triads; 2 & 7

Augmented Triad (rarely encountered); 3, but only when the b7 is raised

Spelling Triads Method #1

A) Identify the white key triads;

Major;1,4,5

Minor; 2,3,6

Diminished: 7

Spelling Triads Method #1

B) Triads in 1,4,5 remain major if all accidentals match.

To make it minor lower the third a half step, without changing the letter name

To change to an augmented triad, raise the fifth one chromatic half step

Spelling Triads Method #1

C) Triads 2,3,6 remain minor if all accidentals match

To make it a major triad raise the 3rd up a half step

To change to a diminished triad, lower the 5th a half step

Spelling Triads Method #1

D) The diminished 7 triad remains the same if all accidentals match

to make a minor triad, raise the 5th up a half step

To make a major triad, raise both the 3rd and the 5th up a half step

Spelling Triads Method #2

1) Write the Root of the Triad

2)Write the 5th about the root, Major or Minor write a P5 for a diminished triad write a d5 an augmented write a A5

Write the 3rd about the root. For Major and Augmented write a M3, for minor and dim write a m3

Major Triad is built M3 with a m3 on top

Minor is built m3 with a M3 on top

Diminished is 2 m3

Augmented is 2 M3

Spelling Triads Method #3

Think of Key Signatures

For a major triad, think of the root and write 1,3,5

For a minor triad, think of the root and write 1, b3,5

For a diminished triad lower the 5th a half step of a minor triad

For an Augmented triad raise the 5th a half step of a major triad

Scale-Degree Triads in Tonal Context

Not all scale degrees are equal!!

I and V Triads are the most common chords

For Theory here,

NEVER USE

iii

Triad Inversions

If the triad is not in root position, it is considered inverted

Be careful not to confuse the terms “Root” and “Bass”

Any member of the triad can be in root position

If the 3rd is in the bass, the triad is in 1st inversion

If the 5th is in the bass, the triad is in 2nd inversion

Triad Inversions2nd inversion is the weakest of the inversions

Never use it in a position of functional harmonic strength, i.e. last chord

This is because of the 4th between the bass note and the next interval

Look and listen to Bach’s, “O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden” on pg 147.

Triads in Pop Music

Lead-Sheet Notation has chord symbols above the melody line. This is read by keyboard, bass, & other pop jazz combo players

Lead sheets may show both chord type and TAB meaning tablature, a traditional method of notation for lute & Guitar

Figured BassRecitative was a style in the Baroque era which features quick-moving vocal part with chordal accompaniment notated in Figured Bass

Figured Bass consists of a bass line with numbers written under representing the intervals to be played above each bass note

Figured Bass

Root position chords are indicated with the number 5 & 3

This chord can be played many different ways

Figured Bass

When the triad is in First Inversion, it will be represented by a 6 & 3

Many times will only be listed as a 6

Figured Bass

In second inversion, Figured bass will be listed as a 6 & 4

This is the least common inversion because of the 4th between the bass and next note, G-C

Figured Bass

Now let’s learn a little something from Captain Broccoli

A practice that was employed in the Baroque era

Almost the same way sheet music is used today

Always use intervals that is diatonic to the key

Adding Accidentals

Accidentals can be used by themselves or next to the figured bass numbers

If it is by itself, it refers to the 3rd above the bass

It next to the number, you alter that note

Slash through the note means sharpen it, but not commonly used

Terms to know…Chord

Root

Third

Fifth

Figured bass

inversion

first inversion

second inversion

Lead-Sheet notation

Tablature (TAB)

Triad

Major

Minor

Augmented

Diminished