The four main types of triads are major, minor, augmented, and diminished triads. These triads form the foundational building blocks of harmony in music.
Understanding Triads
A triad is a chord consisting of three notes stacked in intervals of thirds. The specific quality of a triad—whether it sounds bright, sad, tense, or unstable—is determined by the types of intervals that are used to build it. Let's explore the four types:
1. Major Triads
- Structure: Major triads consist of a root, a major third, and a perfect fifth above the root.
- Sound: They are typically perceived as happy, bright, and stable.
- Example: A C major triad consists of C (root), E (major third), and G (perfect fifth).
2. Minor Triads
- Structure: Minor triads consist of a root, a minor third, and a perfect fifth above the root.
- Sound: They generally sound sad, melancholic, or somber.
- Example: A C minor triad consists of C (root), Eb (minor third), and G (perfect fifth).
3. Augmented Triads
- Structure: Augmented triads consist of a root, a major third, and an augmented fifth above the root.
- Sound: Augmented triads create a tense and unstable sound, often described as mysterious or unsettling.
- Example: A C augmented triad consists of C (root), E (major third), and G# (augmented fifth).
4. Diminished Triads
- Structure: Diminished triads consist of a root, a minor third, and a diminished fifth above the root.
- Sound: They produce a dissonant and unstable sound, often used to create tension or a sense of unresolved conflict.
- Example: A C diminished triad consists of C (root), Eb (minor third), and Gb (diminished fifth).
Summary Table
| Triad Type | Intervals | Sound | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major | Root, Major 3rd, Perfect 5th | Bright, Happy | C-E-G |
| Minor | Root, Minor 3rd, Perfect 5th | Sad, Melancholic | C-Eb-G |
| Augmented | Root, Major 3rd, Augmented 5th | Tense, Unstable | C-E-G# |
| Diminished | Root, Minor 3rd, Diminished 5th | Dissonant, Unstable | C-Eb-Gb |
These four triad types are essential elements in music theory and composition, providing composers and musicians with a wide palette of harmonic colors to express different moods and emotions.
