Major and Minor Triads

Building Major and Minor Triads

A triad is a three-note chord built by stacking two thirds.

A major triad = root + M3 + P5 (e.g. C-E-G). A minor triad = root + m3 + P5 (e.g. C-Eb-G).

The only difference is the middle note — the third. A major third (M3, 4 half steps) gives a bright, happy sound. A minor third (m3, 3 half steps) gives a darker, more introspective sound.

Both triads share the same perfect fifth (P5, 7 half steps) from root to top note.

C Major vs C Minor Triad

Study the C major and C minor triads side by side. Notice the shift from E natural to Eb — that single half-step change transforms the entire quality of the chord.

Play Major and Minor Triads

• Play each chord and focus on the major vs minor quality difference
• Notice how the third determines the character of the chord
• Try switching between the major and minor versions of each root