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Triad – Definition
A triad is the most basic type of chord in Western music. It consists of three different notes built by stacking two thirds above a root note.
What is a Triad?
A triad contains a root, a third, and a fifth. Depending on the size of these intervals, there are four main types of triads: major, minor, augmented, and diminished.
Triads form the foundation of harmony and are used throughout classical, jazz, pop, rock, gospel, and countless other musical styles.
Why are Triads important for pianists?
Triads are the building blocks of chords and chord progressions. Learning them in every key enables pianists to accompany songs, improvise, recognize harmonic patterns, and understand more advanced chord structures.
Mastering triads also provides the foundation for inversions, seventh chords, extended harmony, and effective keyboard playing.