triads - hutchband.weebly.com
TRANSCRIPT
Chords & TriadsTriads-3 or more note chords
When triads are spelled in thirds, the lowest interval is the Root and the highest pitch is the Fifth. The Third is the middle note right above the root
When the root is in the bottom is is considered in Root Position
Triads in the Major Scale
Major Triads are built on scale degrees, 1, 4, & 5. They are built by having a M3 with a m3 on top of it.
Minor Triads are built on scale degrees, 2,3, & 6. They are built by having a m3 with a M3 on top of it.
Diminished Triad is built on scale degree 7. It is made up of two m3’s on top of each other
Triad Qualities in Minor Keys
Major Triads; 3, 5, 6, & 7
Minor Triads; 1, 4, 5
Diminished Triads; 2 & 7
Augmented Triad (rarely encountered); 3, but only when the b7 is raised
Spelling Triads Method #1
B) Triads in 1,4,5 remain major if all accidentals match.
To make it minor lower the third a half step, without changing the letter name
To change to an augmented triad, raise the fifth one chromatic half step
Spelling Triads Method #1
C) Triads 2,3,6 remain minor if all accidentals match
To make it a major triad raise the 3rd up a half step
To change to a diminished triad, lower the 5th a half step
Spelling Triads Method #1
D) The diminished 7 triad remains the same if all accidentals match
to make a minor triad, raise the 5th up a half step
To make a major triad, raise both the 3rd and the 5th up a half step
Spelling Triads Method #2
1) Write the Root of the Triad
2)Write the 5th about the root, Major or Minor write a P5 for a diminished triad write a d5 an augmented write a A5
Write the 3rd about the root. For Major and Augmented write a M3, for minor and dim write a m3
Major Triad is built M3 with a m3 on top
Minor is built m3 with a M3 on top
Diminished is 2 m3
Augmented is 2 M3
Spelling Triads Method #3
Think of Key Signatures
For a major triad, think of the root and write 1,3,5
For a minor triad, think of the root and write 1, b3,5
For a diminished triad lower the 5th a half step of a minor triad
For an Augmented triad raise the 5th a half step of a major triad
Scale-Degree Triads in Tonal Context
Not all scale degrees are equal!!
I and V Triads are the most common chords
For Theory here,
NEVER USE
iii
Triad Inversions
If the triad is not in root position, it is considered inverted
Be careful not to confuse the terms “Root” and “Bass”
Any member of the triad can be in root position
If the 3rd is in the bass, the triad is in 1st inversion
If the 5th is in the bass, the triad is in 2nd inversion
Triad Inversions2nd inversion is the weakest of the inversions
Never use it in a position of functional harmonic strength, i.e. last chord
This is because of the 4th between the bass note and the next interval
Look and listen to Bach’s, “O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden” on pg 147.
Triads in Pop Music
Lead-Sheet Notation has chord symbols above the melody line. This is read by keyboard, bass, & other pop jazz combo players
Lead sheets may show both chord type and TAB meaning tablature, a traditional method of notation for lute & Guitar
Figured BassRecitative was a style in the Baroque era which features quick-moving vocal part with chordal accompaniment notated in Figured Bass
Figured Bass consists of a bass line with numbers written under representing the intervals to be played above each bass note
Figured Bass
Root position chords are indicated with the number 5 & 3
This chord can be played many different ways
Figured Bass
When the triad is in First Inversion, it will be represented by a 6 & 3
Many times will only be listed as a 6
Figured Bass
In second inversion, Figured bass will be listed as a 6 & 4
This is the least common inversion because of the 4th between the bass and next note, G-C
Figured Bass
Now let’s learn a little something from Captain Broccoli
A practice that was employed in the Baroque era
Almost the same way sheet music is used today
Always use intervals that is diatonic to the key
Adding Accidentals
Accidentals can be used by themselves or next to the figured bass numbers
If it is by itself, it refers to the 3rd above the bass
It next to the number, you alter that note
Slash through the note means sharpen it, but not commonly used