Triad Recognition
Learn to identify the four basic triad types by ear: major, minor, diminished, and augmented.
What Are Triads?
Triads are three-note chords built by stacking thirds. They form the foundation of Western harmony. There are four basic types of triads, each with a distinct sound:
Major Triad
Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th
Sound: Bright, happy, stable. The most common chord in Western music.
Minor Triad
Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th
Sound: Darker, sadder, more melancholic than major.
Diminished Triad
Root + Minor 3rd + Diminished 5th
Sound: Tense, unstable, wants to resolve. Creates a sense of unease.
Augmented Triad
Root + Major 3rd + Augmented 5th
Sound: Mysterious, ambiguous, unstable. Less common but distinctive.
Identifying Triads by Ear
Major vs. Minor
The most important distinction is between major and minor. The difference lies in the third:
- Major: Bright, happy, "open" sound. Think of most pop songs.
- Minor: Darker, sadder, more "closed" sound. Think of ballads or emotional songs.
Diminished
Diminished triads have a very tense, unstable sound. They create a sense of unease and want to resolve. The diminished 5th (tritone) gives it its characteristic tension.
Augmented
Augmented triads have a mysterious, ambiguous quality. They're less common but very distinctive. The augmented 5th creates a sense of instability and tension.
Practice Exercises
Practice identifying triads with the interactive exercises below. Start with just major and minor, then add diminished and augmented as you improve.
💡 Practice Tip: Practice multiple questions to build your skills! After answering each question, click "Next Question" to continue. Your score and accuracy will be tracked as you practice.
Recognition Tips
- Listen for the Third: The quality of the third (major or minor) is the key to distinguishing major from minor triads.
- Feel the Emotion: Major chords feel happy/stable, minor chords feel sad/melancholic. Use this emotional quality to help identify them.
- Compare to Reference: Play a C major chord, then a C minor chord, and notice the difference. This contrast will help you recognize them in other keys.
- Practice with Songs: Many songs start with major or minor chords. Try to identify the chord quality in songs you know.