Goal
Understand how to build major & minor triads using scales and interval formulas.
Vocabulary
• harmonic series = series of pitches that together form one note
• major triad = every other note of major scale starting on its first note
• minor triad = every other note of a minor scale starting on its first note
Essential Knowledge
• Major triad interval formula: 4H + 3H
• Minor triad interval formula: 3H + 4H (opposite of major triad)
• Flat the middle note of a major triad to get a minor triad.
• Major triads are happy, bright, light-hearted
• Minor triads are sad, dark, heavy-hearted
• Common triad symbols:
– Major: none, M, maj
– Minor: -, m, min
Tips
• When playing triads that involve the thumb playing a black key, you will need to rotate your wrist and/or move your hand higher up on the keys.
Fun Facts
• The first 6 notes of the harmonic series form a major triad. In other words, the major triad is built into the laws of nature.
• Major & minor triads that have the same root note are called parallel.
