Music Theory Worksheet and Glossary: Basics of Harmony II

Triads: A triad is a certain type of chord consisting of a combination of three (and exactly three)
different notes. For example, C – E – G combine to form a C Major triad.

Even if multiple different voices/instruments are playing one of the same notes, the chord is still
considered a triad if there are exactly three different notes.

For example, a flute and bassoon can be playing a C, a violin can be playing an E, and a trumpet
and cello can be playing a G. The result is still a triad (in this case, C Major) because only three
different notes are present, namely C, E, and G.

In Western music, most chords (including triads) are built in the following manner:

- Start with a Root

- Move up either a M3 or a m3. The next note up is called the Third because it is some
type of third above the root. [Reminder: a m3 is three half steps, a M3 is four].
- From that note, move up another M3 or m3. The next note up is called the Fifth
because that note is some type of fifth abote the root.
- Congratulation, you have build a triad.
- If the chord is more complex than a triad (i.e., if it contains more than three different
notes), the thirds to continue stacking up, and are called the Seventh, Ninth,
Eleventh, and Thirteenth.
Example: Root = C  M3 to E  m3 to G Notes: C – E – G = C Major Triad
Root = F  m3 to Ab  M3 to C Notes: F – Ab – C = F Minor Triad

Types of Triads: Using this process, there are four different possible triads depending on the
order in which you move up from the root.

Major Triad:  M3 then  m3

The most common chord in most types of music. Often described as “happy, pleasant, cheerful,
bright” — but these descriptions have limited use and should be only understood as generally
descriptive, not hard-and-fast rules.

Minor Triad:  m3 then M3

The second most common chord in most types of music. Often described as “sad, angry, gloomy,
stormy, dark.”

Diminished Triad:  m3 then  m3

A less common triad, but certainly present in many pieces of music. Highly dissonant, this chord
usually wants to “resolve” to a major or minor chord. Often described as “unstable” or “dark.”

Augmented Triad:  M3 then  M3

The least common triad. Often used in especially “spacey” music, such as music in science fiction
films. Often described as “floating, drifting, open, mysterious.”
Music Theory Worksheet II (Page 2 of 2)

Exercise 1: Identifying Triads

The following twelve chords are all triads in Root Position (with the root on the bottom). There
is at least one of each type (Major, Minor, Diminished, and Augmented). Identify each chord;
the first has been identified for you.

Hint: The easiest way to identify a chord is to identify the interval between the Root and the Third
as either a M3 or a m3, and then do the same for the interval between the Third and the Fifth.
Then consult the chart on the previous page.

Exercise 2: Building Triads

Build the following eight root-position triads, and write them in. The first has been completed
for you.