The Basics: Learn Your Triads PART 1: The First Set of 3 Adjacent Strings

A triad is a 3 note chord. In this part, we are going to focus on learning four basic triad types, which are major, minor, diminished, and augmented.  We are going to focus on learning these triads on the first set of three adjacent strings in a couple of different inversions. To keep things simple, we will build all of the triads from the same "root note" ( C ) for comparison, contrast, and analysis. Later on, all of these triads will be transposed to other "keys".
Triads are the most commonly used chords and I would recommend getting a solid grasp on this material as it will be very useful, both harmonically and melodically, in a number of ways.

Things to study within each example below:

1. Within each triad inversion, make sure you memorize which note is the "root". What finger and on what string, is playing the root? Sing the root while you play the chord. (note: this will also be required for transposing to different keys)

2. Within each inversion, memorize where the "3rd" and "5th" are within the voicing. Sing them while you play the chord.

3. Notice the pattern of rotation of tones moving from one inversion to the next. What note is on the bottom? What note is on top?





Ex 1. shows a major triad in closed root position, and it's two inversions. Practice and commit all of the material below to memory. Practice moving in between each inversion until it is seamless.

Ex.2 shows a minor triad in closed root position, and it's two inversions. Practice and commit all of the material below to memory. Practice moving in between each inversion until it is seamless. Notice the difference compared to the major triad in both structure and sound.

Ex.3 shows a diminished triad in closed root position, and it's two inversions. Practice and commit all of the material below to memory. Practice moving in between each inversion until it is seamless. Compare the diminished triad to the minor triad in Ex.2.

Ex. 4 hows an augmented triad in closed root position, and it's two inversions. Practice and commit all of the material below to memory. Practice moving in between each inversion until it is seamless. Compare the augmented triad to the major triad in Ex.1. Do you notice anything about the fingerings for all the inversions in Ex.4 below?

There will be more to come on this subject, including learning these on other sets of adjacent strings. Once you get these under your fingers and in your ears, check out Harmonizing Melody with Chords PART 1: Diatonic Triads