How to Memorize the Major Triads
Review
This lesson assumes you are already familiar with building and identifying triads.
To review Traids go to Understanding Triads and Triad Types.
Why Memorize the Triads?
It will make it easier to
- Identifying chords
- Play chord symbols
- Analyze music
Memorizing the Major Triads with a Natural Root
- There are only 7 major triads built upon natural root notes. (Root notes without an accidental.)
- C, F and G do not require any accidentals
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- D, E and A require a sharp 3rd
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- B requires a sharp 3rd and 5th
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- All other major triads are simply variations on these 7.
So, if you can memorize these 7, you can quickly create any of the other triads.
In future lessons you will learn how to build triads with a flat or sharp note as the root.
Timed Test
To help solidify the concepts in this lesson, the next program will be a timed test where you must build the natural root major triads.
Remember: C, F, and G are all natural notes; D, E and A all require a sharp on the 3rd of the triad; and B requires a sharp on both the 3rd and 5th.
If you make a mistake, you will have to start again.