Triad Construction

What Is A Triad?

A triad is simply a 3 note chord. For example, a major chord has three notes and is therefore known as a triad. However, there are some basic rules to do with triads. They will generally follow the structure where you take the 1st, 3rd and 5th and alter those notes, rather than just picking any random notes (i.e. a 4th, 6th and 9th!). This will become clearer as we progress through the course but for now, we need to recap the chords we should already know.

Major, Minor and Diminished

In the essentials course, we covered the three main triad chords. These are the major, minor and diminished chords. Remember that each formula for a chord is based on the numbers 1-7, which relate to the major scale. In the reminders below, we are using the E major scale. Refresh yourself on all three chords before moving on:

Major Chords

To construct a major chord you simply take the 1st, 3rd and 5th from the major scale. Below is an example with the E major chord.

Minor Chords

To construct a minor chord you simply take the 1st, b3rd and 5th from the major scale. Below is an example with the E minor chord.

Diminished Chords

To construct a diminished chord you simply take the 1st, b3rd and b5th from the major scale. Below is an example with the E diminished chord.

Building A Sus 2 Chord

As with all chords, we simply need to learn the formula to be able to build the chord. In the case of Sus2 chords, we are talking about suspended 2nd chords. Suspended simply means that you take the 3rd note from a chord, suspend it (remove it) and replace it with a 2nd note instead. Therefore you get the formula 1st, 2nd & 5th from the major scale. Here is an example:

Building A Sus4 Chord

As with all chords, we simply need to learn the formula to be able to build the chord. In the case of Sus4 chords, we are talking about suspended 4th chords. Suspended simply means that you take the 3rd note from a chord, suspend it (remove it) and replace it with a 4th note instead. Therefore, you get the formula 1st, 4th & 5th from the major scale. Here is an example:

Building An Augmented Chord

As with all chords, we simply need to learn the formula to be able to build the chord. In the case of the augmented chords, we are taking a major chord are sharpening the 5th note. By sharpening the 5th, you are taking a very 'safe' note and changing it to a much more dissonant note compared to the 1st and 3rd, which creates the unresolved sound of this chord. The formula is the 1st, 3rd & #5th from the major scale. Here is an example in G:

Chord Test!

To get the most out of this video, grab a pen and paper and try to actually work out the chords Dan is asking you on the video. If you would like more of a challenge, try the following:

1. Can you work out a Dsus2 chord?

2. Can you work out an E Augmented chord?

3. Can you work out a C minor chord?

4. Can you work out a Fsus 4 Chord?

5. Can you work out an A Diminished chord?

6. Can you work out a B Major chord?