This lesson will look at how to play major, minor, augmented, and diminished triads. These are common guitar chords that all guitar players should know. The more you know about these chord types, the easier it will be to understand guitar chords in general.
Major Triads
These types of chords are based on three notes within the major scale that they come out of. These three notes are the 1 3 5. For instance, the C major triad will have the C, E, & G notes within the chord.
All major triads are made up of these three notes within the key it comes out of. G major has the 1 3 5 in it and consists of the G, B, & D. The D major triad would be made up of the D, F#, & A.
These chord types are called triads because they are made up of three notes and will always be made up of the 1,3, & 5 of the major scale they come out of. So to easily create these chords, you just need to find out what notes are within a certain key, pick out the 1 3 5 and you’ve got the major triad.
Minor Triads
These chords are similar to the major triad except for one thing. You flatten the third note by one fret. This means that if the note is an E, it would now be E fat. A flat is represented by a small B in music notation (Eb) and is always presented whenever we flatten a note.
A major triad
A minor triad
With the above chord example, we can see that we have moved one note back. That note is the third note in the chord. The C# has now been moved back to C. This allows us to create a different sound with a chord that is different from the major.
If the note is sharpened (A# for example) then the note would be flattened to an A note. So with minor triads, you now have a 1 b3 5 chord formula. In the case of a C minor triad, the notes would be C Eb, and G.
Augmented Triads
These are another really simple type of chord to form. In this case, you keep the three where it is and move the 5th note up a fret. So now we have a chord formula of 1 3 #5. It is this sharp fifth note that allows us to make the triad bigger.
An augmented triad
Here we can see that the chord has been changed. The triad chord formula to 1 3 #5. In the case of the A major chord A C# E, we now have an A C# F. Since the E note is on the 4th string, that is the note we move forward to F.
Since there is no E# in the musical alphabet and the next note is F we make it an F note. This allows us to make another type of sound with the chord. Form the chord and strum it. Listen for how it sounds different than the major, or minor chord.
Diminished Triads
These types of chords are very similar to the augmented ones. Except in this case instead of making the chord bigger, we make it smaller. Diminished. This is done by flattening both the third and fifth notes. So now the chord formula will be 1 b3 b5. Two notes moved back a fret.
A diminished triad
In the case of the A diminished triad, we can see from the chord diagram that we move both the third and fifth notes back a fret. Simple and easy to form. Along with the fact that we can now create a different type of sound. This sound will be different from the major, minor, and augmented triads.
Watch the Video Lesson Below
Additional Training
To learn more about guitar chords and how to create different ones for better musical expression, I recommend you check out the book I authored and self-published Rhythm Guitar Alchemy.
Rhythm Guitar Alchemy Learn the inner workings of guitar chords, chord diagrams, embellishments, theory, and rhythm construction. With timing sequences, chord progressions, training tips, and practice habits. Rhythm Guitar Alchemy is an easy-to-follow step-by-step method book designed to help you develop the mind and skill-set of secret principles needed to become a great rhythm guitar player.
Lesson Conclusion
Knowing about guitar chords and how to construct them is very important for improving your guitar playing. Chords are the essence of all songs. You want to make sure you know how they are made and how to use them in songs.
Start with your major triads, then the minor, augmented, and diminished. These four chord types are the foundation of all other chords to come. Thousands of chords can be created on the guitar and these triads are the best way to get started.
Private Lessons
In addition to the videos and books, I am also available for private lessons to help you further with the training. These are offered virtual as well as in person. Sometimes a good teacher can save years of frustration trying to get through the musical jungle on your own.
if you feel this service may help you, be sure to contact me today and we will set up a Free Consultation. You’d be amazed how just a few lessons from a teacher can make a world of difference in your progress.
Thank you for your time and until our next lesson, take care.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins
