4.1 | Triad Qualities
There will be a video overview of each chapter that demonstrates how to complete each section with a multicamera view.
Learn
A triad is a three-note chord. A triad’s “quality” determines its emotional force and overall sound. Each major scale has three chord qualities: major, minor, and diminished. Whereas a major chord will sound bright and happy, a diminished chord will sound tense and unstable. The notes that make up a chord are called chord tones, and the intervals between each chord tone will change depending on the chord quality.
Triad: A three-note chord created from the root, third, and fifth.
Chord Quality: The sonic characteristic of a chord determined by the intervals of the chord tones.
Major: A triad quality that is spelled with first, third, and fifth note of a major pentascale.
Minor: A triad quality that uses the same notes as a major chord but with a lowered third.
Diminished: A triad quality that uses the same notes as a major chord but with a lowered third and fifth.
Augmented: A triad quality that uses the same notes as a major chord but with a raised fifth.
Chordal Range: Chords sound best played within a specific part of the keyboard, specifically where the bass leaves off. The chordal range sounds best between C2 and C5 (DAW octave numbers).
Identify
Triad Quality Spelling
Practice spelling chords with the Triad Spelling Worksheet →.
Work on memorizing chord spellings with Triad Quality Flashcards →.
Work on memorizing chord shapes with Triad Qualities On The Piano Flashcards →.
Practice identifying triad qualities with the musictheory.net exercise below.
Practice
Triad Playing
Choose a song and open the lead sheet.
Place your right hand in the pentascale grip that corresponds with the letter name of the chord.
Press down your thumb (root), middle finger (third), and pinky (fifth) to play a major triad.
Change the raise/lower the third or fifth to play different chord qualities.
Practice until you are comfortable with the chords.
Play along with the recordings.
Master
Triad Quality Practice
Go through the circle of fourths and form the Pentascale grips with your right hand.
Play through major pentascales through the circle of fifths with the Major Triad Practice Video →.
Play through minor pentascales through the circle of fifths with the Minor Triad Practice Video →.
Practice changing triad qualities through the circle of fourths with the Triad Quality Practice Video →.
Ear Training
Drum + Drone Triad Qualities
Sing, hum, or play along with the drum and drone video.
Practice hearing chord qualities in the music you listen to.
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