Hopefully in lessons 1 through 4, you have seen that there is a “logic” or “formula” that can be applied to work out major scales in all the keys. While memorizing all the scales in all the keys is useful, in my opinion, it is more important to memorize the logic behind how they are derived.
Similarly, there are formulas that can be applied to determine or construct any chord in any key.
What is a triad?
A triad is a combination of three notes sounded together.
Major Chords (triads):
Major chords are always made up of the 1st, 3rd and 5th note of any major scale.
For example, in the key of C: C D E F G A B C
C E G are the notes that make up the C major chord. The C note is the root of this chord.
A word on Inversions:
It is important to know that these notes do not necessarily need to be played in that order. In fact, they can be played in any sequence and are called inversions.
C E G E G C G C E C G E E C G etc.
For now, lets concentrate on the basic 1st, 3rd and 5th notes for learning our triads.
Minor Chords (triads):
Minor chords are always made up of the 1st, b3rd and 5th note of any major scale.
For example, in the key of C: C D E F G A B C
C Eb G are the notes that make up the C minor chord. The C note is also the Root of this chord.
Diminished Chords (triads):
Diminished chords are always made up of the 1st, b3rd and b5th note of any major scale.
For example, in the key of C: C D E F G A B C
C Eb Gb are the notes that make up the C diminished chord. Once again, the C note is the Root of this chord.
Memorize:
1 3 5 = major triad
1 b3 5 = minor triad
1 b3 b5 = diminished triad
© Synaptic Systems Inc., 1999
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