Tri- for Three...

Tri-ad = three notes…a chord containing three notes

• Root
• Third
• Fifth

These are known as chord tones.

Taking the first, third, and fifth notes of any major scale will give you a major triad.

For a G major triad, the chord tones are G, B, and D.

• G is the Root - the starting point
• B is the Third
• D is the Fifth

The numbers of the chord tones refer to their major scale degree (the note's position in the G major scale).

Root notes will always be presented in Red, and shortened to R.

The major third is shortened to 3.

The fifth of the major triad, a perfect fifth above the Root to give it its full name, is shortened to 5.

Any combination of those three chord tones will be a G major triad. The Root need not always be the lowest note (in pitch).

Playing the three chord tones together creates the major triad, an example of harmony.

Playing the chord tones sequentially creates an arpeggio, an example of melody.

You will learn how triads can be used to play chord progressions for your rhythm guitar playing and how they form a visual guide for your soloing.