Chapter 7 ::
Triads
Triads
A triad is a three-note chord that can be represented as two 3rd intervals, one above the other. When triads are spelled in thirds, the interval between lowest pitch, known as the root, and the highest pitch, known as the fifth, is a fifth. When the root is in the lowest sounding voice, the triad is in root position.
There are four types of triads: major, minor, augmented, and diminished. A triad with an interval of a Major 3rd between the root and the third, and a minor 3rd interval between the third and the fifth. A triad with an interval of a minor 3rd between the root and the third, and a Major 3rd between the third and the fifth. Augmented triads have an interval of a major third between the root and the third and the third and fifth. A diminished triad consists of an interval of a minor third between the root and the third and the third and the fifth. |
Triad Inversions
When a triad is not in root position, it is inverted. There are two types of triad inversions: 1st and 2nd inversion. If the root of a triad is in the bass, the triad is in root position.
If the third is in the bass (lowest pitch), the triad is in 1st inversion. In 1st inversion, the root is found a 4th interval above the fifth. If the fifth is in the bass, then the triad is in second inversion. In 2nd inversion, the root remains where it was in first position, but the third is moved a 3rd interval above the root. This is the newest concept we have learned in class, so I am still trying to grasp some key concepts, like when and where to move what note. Currently, we are studying 7th chords, which directly deal with triads, so I feel that the work we are doing in class is going to be great practice. |