Triads Flashcards
Triads
3 notes that are 3rds apart (e.g. FAC, DFA)
Type or quality of triad
Major or minor
Major triad
Major third plus a minor third (e.g. C-E plus E-G)
minor triad
minor third plus a Major third (e.g. E-G plus G-B)
Major 3rd
play a note, leave 3 unplayed, play the next note, or play a note, move 4 semitones
minor 3rd
play a note, leave 2 unplayed, play the next note, or play a note, move 3 semitones
Root note
The note that names the triad. The bottom note when they are 3rds apart (Root position)
3rd above the Root
The middle note when they are 3rds apart (Root position)
5th above the Root
The top note when they are 3rds apart (Root position)
Root position
The Root note is the lowest note
1st inversion
The 3rd above the Root is the lowest note
2nd inversion
The 5th above the Root is the lowest note
Placement of accidentals
top, bottom, middle
Tonic Triad in the Major scale
I, Major
Dominant Triad in the Major scale
V, Major
Subdominant Triad in the Major scale
IV, Major
Tonic Triad in the minor scale
i, minor
Dominant Triad in the minor scale
V, Major The middle note of this triad will have an accidental because that note is the raised 7th (7up) of the harmonic minor scale. It will ALWAYS be written as an accidental in the triad. It will NEVER be part of the key signature. It changes the original traid from minor to Major, and creates better harmony.
Subdominant in the minor scale
iv, minor
Close position triad
No interval is larger than a 6th
Open position triad
Some intervals are larger than a 6th
Broken triad
The notes are played individually
Solid or Block Triad
The notes are played at the same time
