Music Fundamentals A Balanced Approach

Constructing Major Triads

There are three methods for constructing a major triad. Your instructor will tell you which method(s) to use.

Method 1: Use the intervals of a major triad

• A triadmay be defined as a combination of intervals. A major triad consists of notes a major third (M3) and
  aperfect fifth (P5) above the root. A minor third (m3) occurs between the upper two notes.

Method 2: Use tetrachords

• Determine the accidentals used in a major scale by joining tetrachords (see Module 6).


• The first, third, and fifth notes of the scale form a major triad.

Method 3: Use the major key signature

• Determine the key signature of a major scale by using the Circle of Fifths (see Module 7). E major has four
  sharps: F#, C#, G#,and D#.


• Gbecomes G sharp because of the E major triad because of the key signature.

TRIADS

M3 m3 P5 E major triad

B

G#

E

G#

Major third (M3) Minor third (m3)

first (root) third fifth

fifth

third

first (root)

E major scale

E major triad

tetrachord tetrachord

fifth

third

first (root)

E major key signature and scale

E major triad

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