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Music TheoryTriads 101: Major & Minor Chords
Triads 101: Major & Minor Chords
Goal
Learn how to build the two most important types of chords.
What is a Chord?
A chord is when you play 3 or more notes at the same time. A Triad is a 3-note chord built with "Skips".
The 1-3-5 Rule
To build a triad, take the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of a scale.
| Chord Name | Notes | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| C Major | C - E - G | Happy / Bright |
| A Minor | A - C - E | Sad / Dark |
| G Major | G - B - D | Strong / Heroic |
| F Major | F - A - C | Warm / Peaceful |
Building Chords
Right Hand: Play C, E, and G together using fingers **1 - 3 - 5**.
Notice how your fingers naturally "skip" one white key between each note.
Now move that same hand shape down to A, C, and E. That is A Minor!
Cluttered Chords
Make sure all 3 notes ring out clearly. If one sounds "thumpy", check if your fingers are curved!
Quick Recap
Triads = 3 notes (1-3-5).
Major chords sound happy, Minor sound sad.
Use fingers 1, 3, and 5 for stability.