Major, Minor, Diminished, and Augmented Triads

Major triad

The first triad I would like to talk to you about is a major triad. As I mentioned in the introduction to chords, a triad is a collection of 3 notes stacked in 3rds.

The formula to make a major triad is:
major 3rd + minor 3rd (from the root of the triad)

Let's take a look at a C major triad. First, you have a C, then you go up by a major 3rd to an E, then you go up by a minor 3rd to a G.

Example of a major triad

These are some examples of major triads. As you would notice, the first interval from the root is a major 3rd, then a minor 3rd follows.

Examples of major triads

Minor triad

The formula to make a minor triad is:
minor 3rd + major 3rd (from the root of the triad)

Let's make a A minor triad. First we start with an A, then go up by a minor 3rd to a C, then we go up by a major 3rd to an E.

Example of a minor triad

These are some examples of minor triads.

Examples of minor triads

Diminished triad

The formula to make a diminished triad is:
minor 3rd + minor 3rd (from the root of the triad)

Let's make a B diminished triad. We start with a B, then go up by a minor 3rd to a D, then another minor 3rd to an F.

Example of diminished triad

Here are examples of diminished triads.

Examples of diminished triads

Augmented triad

The formula to make an augmented triad is:
major 3rd + major 3rd (from the root of the triad)

Let's take a look at how a G augmented triad is made. It starts with a G, then up by a major 3rd to a B, then another major 3rd up to a D#.

Example of augmented triad

Here are some examples of augmented triads.

Examples of augmented triads

Interval of the outer two notes

You will notice this one thing when you think about the intervals of the outer two notes of each triad.

Triad

Outer Interval

Major triad

Perfect 5th

Minor triad

Perfect 5th

Diminished triad

Diminished 5th

Augmented triad

Augmented 5th

The outer interval of a diminished triad is a diminished 5th. The outer interval of an augmented triad is an augmented 5th. Knowing this will make it easier to identify triads.

Summary

Here is a summary of how to make different kinds of triads.

Major Triad: major 3rd + minor 3rd

Minor Triad: minor 3rd + major 3rd

Diminished Triad: minor 3rd + minor 3rd

Augmented Triad: major 3rd + major 3rd

These 4 types of the chords are the most important ones we should know.