4.1 Triad Construction and Inversions
5 min read•july 29, 2024
Triads are the building blocks of harmony in music. They're made up of three notes stacked in thirds, creating different flavors of sound. Major, minor, diminished, and augmented triads each have their own unique vibe and emotional impact.
Triad construction is all about combining the right intervals to get the desired sound. By flipping the order of notes, we create inversions that add variety to chord progressions and help smooth out voice leading in compositions.
Triad Types
Major, Minor, Diminished, and Augmented Triads
Top images from around the web for Major, Minor, Diminished, and Augmented Triads
Triads – Composing Music: From Theory to Practice View original
Is this image relevant?
Musicianship Resources – Horton School of Music – Charleston Southern University View original
Is this image relevant?
Tonicization – Open Music Theory View original
Is this image relevant?
Triads – Composing Music: From Theory to Practice View original
Is this image relevant?
Musicianship Resources – Horton School of Music – Charleston Southern University View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Major, Minor, Diminished, and Augmented Triads
Triads – Composing Music: From Theory to Practice View original
Is this image relevant?
Musicianship Resources – Horton School of Music – Charleston Southern University View original
Is this image relevant?
Tonicization – Open Music Theory View original
Is this image relevant?
Triads – Composing Music: From Theory to Practice View original
Is this image relevant?
Musicianship Resources – Horton School of Music – Charleston Southern University View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- A triad is a three-note chord consisting of a root, third, and fifth above the root
- Major triads are constructed with a (4 half steps) and a (7 half steps) above the root
- The quality of a is described as bright, happy, or resolved ()
- Minor triads are constructed with a (3 half steps) and a perfect fifth above the root
- The quality of a is often described as dark, sad, or introspective (A Minor)
- Diminished triads are constructed with a minor third and a diminished fifth (6 half steps) above the root
- The quality of a is often described as tense, unstable, or sinister (B Diminished)
- Augmented triads are constructed with a major third and an augmented fifth (8 half steps) above the root
- The quality of an is often described as mysterious, ethereal, or unresolved (D Augmented)
Triad Qualities and Emotional Associations
- The quality of a triad refers to the specific arrangement of intervals that make up the chord
- Different triad qualities evoke distinct emotional responses and musical atmospheres
- Major triads are often associated with positive emotions such as happiness, brightness, and resolution (C Major, )
- Minor triads are frequently linked to feelings of sadness, melancholy, or introspection (D Minor, F Minor)
- Diminished triads create a sense of tension, instability, or an ominous atmosphere (F# Diminished, C# Diminished)
- Augmented triads can convey a feeling of mystery, otherworldliness, or a lack of resolution (E Augmented, A Augmented)
Constructing Triads
Building Triads on Any Root Note
- To construct a triad, start with the root note and add the third and fifth above it according to the desired quality (major, minor, diminished, or augmented)
- The major third is located 4 half steps (2 whole steps) above the root, while the minor third is located 3 half steps (1.5 whole steps) above the root
- The perfect fifth is located 7 half steps (3.5 whole steps) above the root, the diminished fifth is 6 half steps (3 whole steps) above the root, and the augmented fifth is 8 half steps (4 whole steps) above the root
- When constructing triads, it is essential to consider the key signature and any accidentals that may be present in the musical context
Triad Construction Examples
- To construct a C Major triad, start with C as the root, add E (4 half steps above C) as the major third, and G (7 half steps above C) as the perfect fifth
- To construct an A Minor triad, start with A as the root, add C (3 half steps above A) as the minor third, and E (7 half steps above A) as the perfect fifth
- To construct an F# Diminished triad, start with F# as the root, add A (3 half steps above F#) as the minor third, and C (6 half steps above F#) as the diminished fifth
- To construct a D Augmented triad, start with D as the root, add F# (4 half steps above D) as the major third, and A# (8 half steps above D) as the augmented fifth
Triad Inversions
Recognizing and Labeling Triad Inversions
- Triads can be inverted by changing the lowest note of the chord, resulting in different voicings and bass notes
- triads have the root as the lowest note, followed by the third and the fifth above it (C-E-G)
- triads have the third as the lowest note, with the root and fifth above it (E-G-C)
- The figured bass notation for first inversion triads is 6/3
- triads have the fifth as the lowest note, with the root and third above it (G-C-E)
- The figured bass notation for second inversion triads is 6/4
The Role of Triad Inversions in Music
- Inverting triads can create smoother voice leading, add variety to harmonic progressions, and emphasize different notes within the chord
- Triad inversions allow for more fluid and interesting bass lines, as the lowest note of the chord changes
- First inversion triads can be used to create a sense of movement or to smooth out the transition between chords (C-E-G to F-A-C)
- Second inversion triads are often used as passing chords or to create a sense of tension before resolving to a more stable chord (G-C-E to F-A-C)
Triad Function in Music
Triad Function in Harmonic Progressions
- Triads serve as the foundation for harmonic progressions in various musical styles, including classical, pop, rock, and jazz
- The function of a triad within a progression depends on its relationship to the (I) chord and the overall key of the piece
- Primary triads (I, IV, and V) are the most common chords used in tonal music and play essential roles in establishing the key and providing a sense of resolution (C Major, , G Major in the key of C)
- Secondary triads (II, III, VI, and VII) add variety and depth to harmonic progressions and can be used to create tension, transition between primary triads, or modulate to different keys (D Minor, E Minor, A Minor, B Diminished in the key of C)
Analyzing Triads in Musical Compositions
- Analyzing the use of triads in musical compositions involves identifying the chords, their inversions, and their functions within the context of the piece's key, form, and style
- Composers may use techniques such as chord substitutions, extensions, and alterations to create more complex and expressive harmonies based on the basic triad structure
- Analyzing triads can help musicians understand the harmonic structure of a piece, identify key changes, and make informed decisions about interpretation and improvisation (Bach's Prelude in C Major, Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata, The Beatles' "Let It Be")
- Recognizing the function and use of triads in various musical contexts is essential for developing a deeper understanding of harmony and composition
Key Terms to Review (22)
Augmented triad: An augmented triad is a type of chord that consists of three notes: the root, the major third, and the augmented fifth. This unique structure creates a distinct sound, often described as bright and tense, which can convey a sense of instability or longing. The augmented triad can be built on any note, making it versatile in various musical contexts, and is important for understanding chord progressions and harmony.
C Major: C Major is a diatonic scale that consists of seven pitches: C, D, E, F, G, A, and B, and is known for its bright and cheerful sound. It is one of the most commonly used keys in Western music, and its lack of sharps and flats makes it particularly accessible for musicians. This key forms the foundation for understanding triad construction and inversions, as the triads built on its scale degrees are essential to music composition.
Contrary Motion: Contrary motion is a type of musical movement where two or more voices move in opposite directions. This technique is vital in creating harmonic interest and ensuring smooth voice leading, as it allows for the independence of melodic lines while still achieving a cohesive sound. It plays an essential role in counterpoint and can enhance the overall texture and clarity of a piece by providing contrast to other types of motion, such as parallel motion.
Diminished triad: A diminished triad is a three-note chord consisting of a root note, a minor third above the root, and a diminished fifth above the root. This chord creates a tense and unresolved sound, often used in various harmonic progressions to lead to more stable chords. Diminished triads are recognized for their unique intervals and can be utilized in multiple inversions, adding complexity to musical compositions.
Dominant: The dominant is the fifth scale degree in a diatonic scale and plays a critical role in establishing tonal center and creating tension that resolves to the tonic. This chord, typically built on the fifth scale degree, is essential in creating strong harmonic progressions, often leading to cadences that signal the end of a musical phrase.
F major: F major is a key in music characterized by its tonic note F and a key signature containing one flat (B♭). This major key is fundamental in Western music and serves as a tonal center from which various chords and harmonies are built, particularly the F major triad, which consists of the notes F, A, and C. Understanding F major involves recognizing its role in chord progressions, inversions, and modulation, making it essential for both composition and performance.
First Inversion: First inversion refers to the rearrangement of the notes in a chord so that the lowest note is the chord's third, rather than its root. This alteration can affect the overall sound and function of a chord within harmony, particularly in triads and seventh chords. Understanding first inversion is crucial as it influences voice leading and helps create smoother transitions between chords in progressions.
G Major: G Major is a key signature that consists of one sharp, specifically F#. It is known for its bright and cheerful sound, making it a popular choice in various musical genres. G Major is often used in compositions and serves as a foundational key for many musicians, providing a basis for triad construction and inversions.
Harmonic Minor Scale: The harmonic minor scale is a seven-note scale that is derived from the natural minor scale but features a raised seventh degree, creating a distinctive interval between the sixth and seventh degrees. This alteration gives the scale a unique sound, often associated with a sense of tension and resolution, making it particularly useful in harmonic contexts such as triad construction and inversions.
Lead Sheet Notation: Lead sheet notation is a simplified musical notation system that provides the essential elements of a song, including the melody, lyrics, and chord symbols. This format allows musicians to quickly understand and perform music without needing to read complex scores, making it particularly useful for jazz, pop, and other contemporary genres where improvisation and interpretation are common.
Major Third: A major third is an interval that spans four half steps (or semitones) and is considered one of the most consonant and harmonious intervals in Western music. This interval plays a critical role in building major chords and scales, establishing a sense of brightness and stability. The major third serves as a foundational building block for triads and has significant implications in two-part writing, where harmony and counterpoint can be explored through its use.
Major triad: A major triad is a three-note chord that consists of the root, major third, and perfect fifth. It creates a bright and stable sound that is foundational in Western music harmony. The major triad can be built on any note, resulting in various major triads across different keys, and is crucial for understanding chord progressions and harmony.
Melodic minor scale: The melodic minor scale is a seven-note scale that differs from the natural minor scale by having the sixth and seventh degrees raised when ascending, while the descending form typically reverts to the natural minor. This scale allows for a greater sense of melodic movement and expression, making it essential in various musical styles, especially in classical and jazz music, where it can lead to unique harmonic structures.
Minor third: A minor third is an interval spanning three half steps (or semitones) between two pitches, creating a sound that is often perceived as dark or melancholic. This interval is foundational in music, as it contributes to the construction of minor chords and plays a crucial role in establishing tonalities within compositions. Understanding the minor third helps in identifying chord qualities, transposing melodies, and dictating rhythmic patterns.
Minor triad: A minor triad is a three-note chord formed by stacking a root note, a minor third above the root, and a perfect fifth above the root. It has a darker, more somber sound compared to major triads and is built from the first (root), flat third, and fifth scale degrees of a minor scale. This chord structure is essential in understanding harmony and provides a foundation for various musical compositions and inversions.
Natural minor scale: The natural minor scale is a seven-note scale that follows a specific pattern of whole and half steps, creating a distinctive sound characterized by its darker, more melancholic tonality. It is derived from the major scale but starts on the sixth degree, resulting in a unique set of intervals. Understanding this scale is crucial for harmonic analysis, creating progressions, constructing triads, and recognizing intervals and chords.
Parallel motion: Parallel motion refers to the movement of two or more voices in the same direction, maintaining the same interval between them. This technique can create a sense of unity and harmony, but it also has implications for voice leading and counterpoint, as it may lead to a lack of independence between voices and can restrict harmonic variety.
Perfect Fifth: A perfect fifth is a musical interval that spans five diatonic scale degrees and is considered one of the most consonant and stable intervals in music. It is characterized by a frequency ratio of 3:2, meaning that when two notes are played together, the higher note vibrates at a frequency that is one and a half times that of the lower note. The perfect fifth is essential in harmony, chord construction, and overall musical structure, making it a foundational element in various musical contexts.
Root position: Root position refers to a specific arrangement of a chord where the root note is the lowest pitch. This positioning is crucial because it establishes a stable sound that serves as a foundation for harmony and voice leading. In this arrangement, the other notes of the chord are stacked above the root, allowing for clearer identification and recognition of chords, which is essential in various musical contexts.
Second Inversion: Second inversion is a specific arrangement of a triad or seventh chord where the fifth of the chord is the lowest note, placing the root and third above it. This inversion creates a unique sound and is commonly used in various musical contexts, influencing harmonic progression and voice leading. Understanding second inversion is crucial for recognizing how chords can be structured and function within a composition.
Subdominant: The subdominant is the fourth degree of the diatonic scale, typically represented by the IV chord, and plays a crucial role in harmonic progression and creating musical tension. It functions as a bridge between the tonic and dominant chords, contributing to a sense of movement and resolution within a piece of music.
Tonic: The tonic is the first and most important note of a scale, serving as the home base or point of resolution for melodies and harmonies. It establishes the key of a piece, providing a sense of stability and grounding for both listeners and performers.