Basic triads
All chords, no matter how complex, can be seen as extensions
of the four basic triads.
Major Triad
Formula: 1 3 5
Example in the key of C major:
C D E F G
A B C
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8
The C Major triad is made up of the notes C, E and G
Minor Triad
Formula: 1 b3 5
To get from the major to the minor triad simply flatten the
third.
Example: The C Minor triad is made up of the notes C, Eb
and G
Augmented Triad
Formula: 1 3 #5
Think of ‘Augmented’ as meaning ‘even more
major than major’. You take the Major triad (1, 3, 5)
and stretch it by sharping the 5th.
Example: The C Augmented triad is made up of the notes C,
E and G#
Diminished Triad
Formula: 1 b3 b5
Think of ‘Diminished’ as meaning ‘even
more minor than minor’. You take the Minor triad (1,
b3, 5) and shrink it by flatting the 5th.
Example: The C Diminished triad is made up of the notes C,
Eb and Gb
Suspended Triads
There are two more three-note ‘chords’ that purists
may argue aren’t, strictly speaking, proper triads,
but, for practical purposes can be considered in the same
way as the four ‘proper’ triads above.
In a suspended chord, the 3rd is replaced altogether. The
human ear wants to hear the 3rd note and when it is replaced
there is a strong sense of tension in the sound produced,
which may be resolved by following a suspended chord with
one of the ‘proper’ triads.
Suspended Fourth
Formula: 1 4 5
Example: The C Suspended Fourth triad is made up of the notes
C, F and G
Suspended Second
Formula: 1 2 5
Example: The C Suspended Second triad is made up of the notes
C, D and G
Click here for:
Details of extended triads
List of Commonly Used Chords, their names,
formulas and symbols
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Chord
Forumulas - Extended Triads
