Triads — Major & Minor Chords
Chords happen when you stack intervals. This week you will learn how major and minor triads are constructed, play them on the keyboard, and train your ear to tell them apart.
Learning Goals
Lesson Content
What Is a Triad?
A triad is a three-note chord built by stacking two intervals of a third. The bottom note is the root, which gives the chord its name.
Major Triads
A major triad = Root + Major 3rd (4 half steps) + Perfect 5th (7 half steps from root). Major chords sound bright, happy, and stable.
- C Major: C - E - G
- F Major: F - A - C
- G Major: G - B - D
Minor Triads
A minor triad = Root + Minor 3rd (3 half steps) + Perfect 5th (7 half steps from root). The only difference is the middle note is lowered by one half step. Minor chords sound darker, sadder, and more introspective.
- A Minor: A - C - E
- D Minor: D - F - A
- E Minor: E - G - B
Major vs Minor — Hear the Difference
The difference between a major and minor chord is just one note (the 3rd), but the emotional effect is dramatic. Play C-E-G, then C-Eb-G. That single half step transforms the entire mood.
Practice Activities
Activity 1: Build Chords on the Keyboard
On the Synthesizer, play these chords by pressing all three notes together: C major (C-E-G), F major (F-A-C), G major (G-B-D), A minor (A-C-E), D minor (D-F-A), E minor (E-G-B). Alternate between each major chord and its relative minor.
Activity 2: Chord Identification — Beginner
Start the Chord Identification game on Beginner with Block play style. At this level you will distinguish Major from Minor. Listen for the emotional quality: bright or dark?
- Try both Block and Arpeggio play styles
- Arpeggio (notes played one at a time) can be easier at first
Activity 3: Review Intervals
Chords are built from intervals, so keep your interval skills sharp. Do a quick 5-minute session on Interval Training at whatever difficulty you last used.
Activity 4: Chord Reading — Beginner
Open the Chord Reading game on Beginner. Practice reading chords written on the staff — identify the chord name from the notation. This pairs your new chord knowledge with sight-reading.