QuickenBrain

Build a triad

Use the root, third and fifth to build a major or minor chord.

Start with three different notes

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C major: the keys C4, E4 and G4 are marked.

A triad has three notes: a root, a third and a fifth. Adjacent piano keys, including black keys, are one semitone apart. A major triad places its third 4 semitones above the root and its fifth 7 above. C major is C, E and G.

Notes use C D E F G A B. ♯ raises a note one semitone; ♭ lowers it one.

Lesson help

Keep the root and fifth. Use a third 4 semitones above the root for major, or 3 for minor.

About this lesson

Try the method in a practice when you are ready.

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Start with three different notes

A triad has three notes: a root, a third and a fifth. Adjacent piano keys, including black keys, are one semitone apart. A major triad places its third 4 semitones above the root and its fifth 7 above. C major is C, E and G.

Notes use C D E F G A B. ♯ raises a note one semitone; ♭ lowers it one.

C major: the keys C4, E4 and G4 are marked.

Change the third, keep the root and fifth

A minor triad has its third 3 semitones above the root; the fifth stays 7 above. C minor is C, E♭ and G. Only the third changes from C major. E♭ means E flat, one semitone below E; spell this chord with E♭, not D♯.

C minor: the keys C4, E♭4 and G4 are marked.

Build C major

The root C is already selected. Choose the other two notes for C major. Count every piano key when measuring semitones, not just the white keys.

The root C4 is marked. Choose the third and fifth of C major.

Try it

Which two notes complete C major?

  1. E and G
  2. E♭ and G
Show the answer

E and G

Correct. C, E and G form C major: 4 and 7 semitones above C.

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