Triad

Definition

A triad is a three-note chord formed by stacking two intervals of a third on top of one another, typically consisting of a root, third, and fifth. Triads are fundamental building blocks in harmony and serve as the foundation for much of Western music. They can be classified into major, minor, diminished, and augmented triads based on the intervals between the notes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Triads can be built on any note in a scale, making them versatile in various musical contexts.
2. The quality of a triad (major, minor, diminished, augmented) is determined by the specific arrangement of whole and half steps between its notes.
3. In root position, the triad's notes are arranged with the root at the bottom, followed by the third and fifth above it.
4. Triads can also appear in different inversions: first inversion (third in the bass) and second inversion (fifth in the bass).
5. In functional harmony, triads play crucial roles such as tonic (I), dominant (V), and subdominant (IV), guiding musical progressions.

Review Questions

• How do different types of triads contribute to the overall harmonic structure in music?
  • Different types of triads—major, minor, diminished, and augmented—each have unique qualities that impact their emotional effect and function within music. Major triads typically convey brightness and stability, while minor triads evoke a more somber or reflective mood. Diminished triads create tension and often lead to resolution in harmonic progressions, whereas augmented triads introduce an element of surprise. This variety allows composers to craft emotional narratives through their harmonic choices.
• Analyze how inversions of triads can affect a piece's melodic flow and harmonic progression.
  • Inversions of triads change the bass note while maintaining the same set of pitches, which influences how music flows. For instance, using a first inversion triad places the third in the bass, creating a smoother transition between chords due to the closer voice leading. This can enhance melodic flow and provide different tonal colors within a progression. Composers strategically use inversions to build tension or create resolution points, shaping the listener's experience.
• Evaluate the role of triads in establishing key centers within Western music composition.
  • Triads are essential for establishing key centers in Western music composition because they provide harmonic functions that define tonal relationships. The tonic triad establishes the home base of a key, while dominant triads create tension that resolves back to tonic. Additionally, subdominant triads act as transitional chords that connect these two central functions. By strategically placing these triadic structures throughout a piece, composers effectively guide listeners through emotional journeys while reinforcing the sense of key.

Related terms

chord: A chord is a combination of three or more notes played simultaneously, creating harmony.

interval:

An interval is the distance between two pitches, which can be measured in half steps or whole steps.

dissonance: Dissonance refers to a combination of notes that creates tension and instability, often requiring resolution to a consonant chord.