Piano Chord Library
Rob
Three notes make a triad
A basic major or minor triad contains a root, a third and a fifth. These names describe their relationship to the root, not which key happens to be lowest in an inversion.
| Quality | From the root | C example |
|---|---|---|
| Major | 0, 4, 7 semitones | C E G |
| Minor | 0, 3, 7 semitones | C E♭ G |
The third makes the comparison
Keep C and G fixed. E is four semitones above C; E♭ is three. Moving that one note changes C major to C minor. Listen to the same register and position to make the comparison clear.
Descriptions such as “bright” or “dark” can be useful listening prompts, but musical mood also depends on rhythm, register, dynamics and context. The interval pattern gives a precise definition.
White keys do not determine the quality
C–E–G is major and D–F–A is minor, although both use white keys. Count adjacent keys rather than assuming that a black key makes a chord minor.
A comparison you can hear
Theory reference: Open Music Theory: Triads.
