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.
Major Triads
These types of chords are based on three notes within the major scale that they come from. These three notes are the 1 3 5. For instance, the C major triad will have the C, E, & G notes within the chord.
C major triad
All major triads are made up of these three notes within the key they come 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 that 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 types of chords are very 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 flat. A flat is represented by a small B in music notation (Eb) and is always present 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 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.
A augmented
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
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 allows you to learn the inner workings of such things as:
Guitar chords,
Chord diagrams,
Embellishments,
Theory and rhythm construction,
Timing sequences,
Chord progressions,
Training tips,
Practice habits,
and much, much more.
It 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. This book is designed with a very simple step-by-step method of learning to play rhythm guitar.
Understand chord theory
Understand the creation of guitar chords. Major, minor, diminished, etc. As well as how to put these chords together to create and play songs. If you are looking to learn more about guitar chord construction and how you can use them to improve your rhythm playing, then this is the book for you.
Private instruction is also available
In addition to that, I also offer private guitar instruction. 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. If you feel this option might work for you, contact me at my website and we'll set up a time to talk on the phone.
Thank you for your time, and good luck with your guitar playing.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins
