Triads

In this lesson I go through all inversions for the most popular major triad ‘shapes’ on guitar.

The theory behind triads is quite simple: a major triad is basically the 1st, 3rd and 5th note of a major scale. If analysed in intervals:  from the root I will have a first note that is a major 3rd apart and a second note that is a perfect 5th apart. As an example, for the key of C major (C,D,E,F,G,A,B)  my C major triad will be C,E,G (C-E major 3rd, C-G perfect 5th).

If these notes (or ‘voices’) are contained within an octave we call this ‘close’ or ‘closed’ position, as opposite as ‘spread’ position (more than an octave). We will see the triads in Spread Position in another lesson.

INVERSIONS

When the triad is in its Root-3rd-5th configuration we call it ‘root position’ – C,E,G

If we move the root up an octave we have the first inversion – 3rd, 5th, Root – E,G,C

If we then move the 3rd up an octave we have the second inversion – 5th, Root, 3rd – G,C,E

OTHER TRIADS

It is really simple to find other (minor, augmented, diminished) triads from the major triad.

Major triad – R,3,5 – C,E,G

Minor triad – R,m3,5 – C,Eb,G (Lower the 3rd one 1/2 step)

Augmented triad – R, 3, #5 – C,E,G# (Raise the 5th one 1/2 step)

Diminished triad – R,m3,dim5 – C,Eb,Gb (Lower both the 3rd and 5th one 1/2 step)

Download –here– the page with all the inversions on a printable PDF file or click the image below.

1 comment for “Triads

Comments are closed.


If you enjoyed these lessons consider making a donation to support the site (minimum $15): you will get my 4 eBooks+Mp3 examples (The guitar kit Pro, Contemporary Solo guitar, Contemporary Blues Soloing, Contemporary Chords and Comping) and 84 blues backing tracks (divided in 7 sets). A total value of $149 at full price on other sites. More info about the individual products on this page

Click on the 'Select Options' button below to access the bundle deal!  All products are digital goods you can download instantly after a successful Paypal checkout.




$15.00Select options


Listen to my last album on Spotify

 

Sign up to my mailing list and get free stuff: 

Download “The Guitar Kit Lite” – Some useful templates to learn or teach guitar (Pentatonic Scale, Major and Minor Scales, Blank Templates…), plus two MP3 tracks from my albums and a backing jam track

Click HERE to find out more or enter your email to subscribe and download.