Major Triad

A major triad is the chord most people picture when they hear the word "chord". It has three notes stacked in thirds: a root, the note a major third above it and the note a perfect fifth above it. On C that gives C–E–G. Its sound is usually described as bright and settled, and a great many pieces in major keys end on a major triad built on the home note.

How to build one

Count half steps up from the root: 4 half steps to the third, then 3 more to the fifth, 7 in all. C to E is 4 half steps (C–C♯–D–D♯–E), and E to G is 3. Because the recipe is a fixed distance, some major triads need sharps or flats to keep it: D major is D–F♯–A, and E♭ major is E♭–G–B♭.

▶Listen0:12

Another shortcut: the root, third and fifth of a major triad are degrees 1, 3 and 5 of the major scale that starts on the same note. The D major scale has an F♯, so the D major triad does too.

On the keyboard

With the right hand, play the root with your thumb, the third with finger 3 and the fifth with finger 5. C, F and G major use only white keys. D, E and A major put a black key in the middle. D♭, E♭ and A♭ major turn that around: black keys on the outside, a white key in the middle.

Major triads in a key

Every major key has three major triads, built on scale degrees 1, 4 and 5. In C major they are C (I), F (IV) and G (V), the primary chords. Roman numerals use capital letters for major triads, and chord symbols use the plain letter: "C" on its own means C major.

▶Listen0:12

Major triad or major key?

A major key contains minor chords too (D minor, E minor and A minor in C major), and a minor key contains major chords. "Major" in a chord's name describes only that chord's own third, not the key around it.

Practice building and spotting them with Triads & their inversions and The primary chords: I, IV & V.