Understanding triads

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Intervals and chords

A basic triad contains a root, third and fifth when arranged in thirds. Altering the quality of those intervals produces major, minor, diminished and augmented triads.

Knowing a chord name is only a starting point for arranging. Consider register, density and the melody before distributing the notes across instruments.

Example

D major: D–F♯–A. D minor: D–F–A.

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What basic triad is A–C–E?

Related topics

References

Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom

Subject-expert review pending.