In this lesson, we will learn about major and minor triads. Major & minor triads are not just chord shapes you memorize, but the the foundational building blocks of guitar chords. In this lesson, we will learn why they are called that and how to form them. This will help improve your rhythm guitar playing.
A lot of guitar players just memorize the shapes. They might even know the names of them. But, if you want to be better than most, you must take your knowledge one step further. Learn some music theory and why they are called triads, what makes a major triad, and what makes a minor triad.
Watch the video lesson below
This is not difficult to do if you learn some basic guitar chord theory. Most guitar players never take the time to do so. This is a shame because they would be so much better if they did. It is quite easy if you take a little time to study and put it into daily practice.
First, you start with the 12 notes of the musical alphabet. Also known as the chromatic scale.
The musical alphabet: A A# B C C# D D# E F F# G G#
Out of these twelve notes you create the major scale. Which consists of 7 notes. Here we’ll use the A major scale. A B C# D E F# G#
As you can see from the scale above, we have 7 notes. The 1 is the A, the 3 is the C#, and so forth and so forth. Here is where we will create our major & minor triads.
The major triad
This chord is made up of three notes. That is why it is called a triad. a chord of three notes. The scientific formula for it is 1 3 5 of the scale it comes out of. This means, that the chord formula will stay the same, but the notes will change with the chord.
As we can see from the notes above in the A major scale, to form the A major triad we need to use the A C# & E notes. The 1 = A, the 3 = C#, and the 5 = E. That is how all major triads work.
You find the 7 notes of the major scale. No matter if it’s G, C, D, or A. You then find the 1 3 & 5 of the scale and you unlock the mystery to the major triad in any key.
The minor triad
This is almost the same thing. Except in this case, you flatten the third note. So in the case of the A major triad (the A C# E), you move the C# back by one fret. This makes it a C note. So now, the formula has changed to a 1 b3 5. A C E.
Remember, this works with all minor triads. You find the third note in the chord and move it back by one fret (flatten it) and this makes it a minor triad. Here are a few more examples.
C Major Triad: 1 3 5 = C E G
C Minor Triad: 1 b3 5 = C Eb G
D Major Triad: 1 3 5 = D F# A
D Minor Triad: 1 b3 5 = D F A
Can you see how this works with all major & minor triads? This is what’s called basic chord theory. I highly recommend you print this out, or you get a sheet of paper and write it down. Then research the notes for other major scales such as E, F & G.
Practical application
Knowing how to figure this out on paper in theory is one thing. But being able to apply it in practical application is another. You must be able to apply this to your guitar playing. You must be able to form these on your guitar and be able to turn any major triad into a minor triad.
Once you can do this with ease, you can create any chord you choose. You will also be able to use them in your songwriting if you so choose to do so. Major triads give you a happy sound, and minor triads give you a sad sound.
By knowing this, you’ll be able to create emotion with your music as well as create additional chord extensions like 7th chords, 9th chords, 11ths, and 13th chords. It all comes down to the 7 notes in the scale and how well you master them.
Dive deeper
If you’d like to dive deeper into this subject of creating major & minor triads, check out the book I authored and self-published Learn Guitar Chord Theory
Learn Guitar Chord Theory is a comprehensive course on enjoying the fun of constructing guitar chords. It will lead you on a path to guitar chord mastery. It will teach you how to build and fully understand guitar chords in a simple step-by-step method.
Starting with the triad (three-note chord) and building up and out from there. Learn the foundation of the guitar chord, how to properly form it, what notes are needed for each key, and what's necessary to create music with them.
Learn to play guitar chords such as majors, minors, sus2, sus4, augmented, diminished, sixth chords, dominant seventh chords, etc. In addition to all that, you'll also learn why they are called those names. This will give you a foundation for the basics of music theory. Yep, it's all here and more in this book Learn Guitar Chord Theory.
If you are looking to learn guitar chords in a simple easy fashion, then this book is for you. Even if you already know basic guitar chords, expanding your chord vocabulary will not only improve your guitar playing but also help improve your musicianship.
Additional help
If you want to be better, you must take your guitar playing to the next level and learn more. A lot more would be preferred. Just keep studying and practicing daily. Before you know it, you will be developing skills you never knew you had.
Be sure to let me know if you need further assistance. With over 20 years of teaching experience. Both online and in-person. I specialize in crafting customized lessons that cater to your musical journey. Even if you have no formal training. With your interest and availability, I can tailor our lessons to suit your pace and schedule.
Whether you want to dive into the basics or explore different musical styles, I can guide you every step of the way. To get your first lesson scheduled, contact me today and we can set up a Free Consultation. I look forward to helping you embark on this new and exciting adventure.
Until our next lesson, take care.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins.
