An A major triad consists of the notes A, C#, and E.
Understanding Major Triads
A major triad, a fundamental building block in music, is a chord comprised of three notes: the root, the major third, and the perfect fifth. Understanding this structure is key to identifying and constructing major triads in any key.
Constructing a Major Triad
The formula for any major triad is:
- Root: The starting note of the chord.
- Major Third: The note four semitones (or two whole steps) above the root.
- Perfect Fifth: The note seven semitones (or three and a half steps) above the root.
A Major Triad Specifically
Therefore, for an A major triad:
- Root: A
- Major Third: C# (A + 4 semitones)
- Perfect Fifth: E (A + 7 semitones)
Major Triads in a Major Scale
According to the reference, within a major scale, the I, IV, and V chords are major triads. For instance, in the key of C, the C major, F major, and G major chords are all major triads. While this context explains how major triads function within a major scale, it does not provide an example of an A major triad itself; rather it illustrates how major triads appear within a key.
