4.1 Triad Construction and Inversions

Triads are the building blocks of harmony in music. They're made up of three notes stacked in thirds, creating different flavors of sound. Major, minor, diminished, and augmented triads each have their own unique vibe and emotional impact.

Triad construction is all about combining the right intervals to get the desired sound. By flipping the order of notes, we create inversions that add variety to chord progressions and help smooth out voice leading in compositions.

Triad Types

Major, Minor, Diminished, and Augmented Triads

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• A triad is a three-note chord consisting of a root, third, and fifth above the root
• Major triads are constructed with a major third (4 half steps) and a perfect fifth (7 half steps) above the root
  • The quality of a major triad is described as bright, happy, or resolved (C Major)
• Minor triads are constructed with a minor third (3 half steps) and a perfect fifth above the root
  • The quality of a minor triad is often described as dark, sad, or introspective (A Minor)
• Diminished triads are constructed with a minor third and a diminished fifth (6 half steps) above the root
  • The quality of a diminished triad is often described as tense, unstable, or sinister (B Diminished)
• Augmented triads are constructed with a major third and an augmented fifth (8 half steps) above the root
  • The quality of an augmented triad is often described as mysterious, ethereal, or unresolved (D Augmented)

Triad Qualities and Emotional Associations

• The quality of a triad refers to the specific arrangement of intervals that make up the chord
• Different triad qualities evoke distinct emotional responses and musical atmospheres
• Major triads are often associated with positive emotions such as happiness, brightness, and resolution (C Major, G Major)
• Minor triads are frequently linked to feelings of sadness, melancholy, or introspection (D Minor, F Minor)
• Diminished triads create a sense of tension, instability, or an ominous atmosphere (F# Diminished, C# Diminished)
• Augmented triads can convey a feeling of mystery, otherworldliness, or a lack of resolution (E Augmented, A Augmented)

Constructing Triads

Building Triads on Any Root Note

• To construct a triad, start with the root note and add the third and fifth above it according to the desired quality (major, minor, diminished, or augmented)
• The major third is located 4 half steps (2 whole steps) above the root, while the minor third is located 3 half steps (1.5 whole steps) above the root
• The perfect fifth is located 7 half steps (3.5 whole steps) above the root, the diminished fifth is 6 half steps (3 whole steps) above the root, and the augmented fifth is 8 half steps (4 whole steps) above the root
• When constructing triads, it is essential to consider the key signature and any accidentals that may be present in the musical context

Triad Construction Examples

• To construct a C Major triad, start with C as the root, add E (4 half steps above C) as the major third, and G (7 half steps above C) as the perfect fifth
• To construct an A Minor triad, start with A as the root, add C (3 half steps above A) as the minor third, and E (7 half steps above A) as the perfect fifth
• To construct an F# Diminished triad, start with F# as the root, add A (3 half steps above F#) as the minor third, and C (6 half steps above F#) as the diminished fifth
• To construct a D Augmented triad, start with D as the root, add F# (4 half steps above D) as the major third, and A# (8 half steps above D) as the augmented fifth

Triad Inversions

Recognizing and Labeling Triad Inversions

• Triads can be inverted by changing the lowest note of the chord, resulting in different voicings and bass notes
• Root position triads have the root as the lowest note, followed by the third and the fifth above it (C-E-G)
• First inversion triads have the third as the lowest note, with the root and fifth above it (E-G-C)
  • The figured bass notation for first inversion triads is 6/3
• Second inversion triads have the fifth as the lowest note, with the root and third above it (G-C-E)
  • The figured bass notation for second inversion triads is 6/4

The Role of Triad Inversions in Music

• Inverting triads can create smoother voice leading, add variety to harmonic progressions, and emphasize different notes within the chord
• Triad inversions allow for more fluid and interesting bass lines, as the lowest note of the chord changes
• First inversion triads can be used to create a sense of movement or to smooth out the transition between chords (C-E-G to F-A-C)
• Second inversion triads are often used as passing chords or to create a sense of tension before resolving to a more stable chord (G-C-E to F-A-C)

Triad Function in Music

Triad Function in Harmonic Progressions

• Triads serve as the foundation for harmonic progressions in various musical styles, including classical, pop, rock, and jazz
• The function of a triad within a progression depends on its relationship to the tonic (I) chord and the overall key of the piece
• Primary triads (I, IV, and V) are the most common chords used in tonal music and play essential roles in establishing the key and providing a sense of resolution (C Major, F Major, G Major in the key of C)
• Secondary triads (II, III, VI, and VII) add variety and depth to harmonic progressions and can be used to create tension, transition between primary triads, or modulate to different keys (D Minor, E Minor, A Minor, B Diminished in the key of C)

Analyzing Triads in Musical Compositions

• Analyzing the use of triads in musical compositions involves identifying the chords, their inversions, and their functions within the context of the piece's key, form, and style
• Composers may use techniques such as chord substitutions, extensions, and alterations to create more complex and expressive harmonies based on the basic triad structure
• Analyzing triads can help musicians understand the harmonic structure of a piece, identify key changes, and make informed decisions about interpretation and improvisation (Bach's Prelude in C Major, Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata, The Beatles' "Let It Be")
• Recognizing the function and use of triads in various musical contexts is essential for developing a deeper understanding of harmony and composition