Chapter 4
Chords – Part 1
Harmony
• Harmony is the musical result of tones
sounding together.
• Melody – Horizontal (linear)
• Harmony – Vertical
Chord
• A harmonic unit with at least three different
tones sounding simultaneously.
Triad
• A three-tone chord.
• We usually use the term TERTIAN (chords
containing a superposition of harmonic thirds)
• Superimpose – place on above something
else.
Triad Root
• The term ROOT refers to the note on which
the triad is built.
• C major triad refers to a major triad whose
ROOT is C.
• The root is the pitch from which a triad is
generated.
• 4 in common use identified by the quality
names; major, minor, augmented and
diminished.
Major Triad
• A MAJOR TRIAD consists of a major third and a
perfect 5th.
Minor Triad
• Consists of a minor third and a perfect fifth.
Diminished Triad
• Consists of a minor third and a diminished
fifth.
Augmented Triad
• Consists of a major third and an augmented
fifth.
Triad Construction
• Each triad includes a ROOT, THIRD and a
FIFTH.
Triad Stability
•
•
•
•
Major Triad – Strongest and most stable
Minor Triad – Strong and quite stable
Diminished Triad – Weak and unstable
Augmented Triad – Weak and unstable
Triad Names
• You can construct a triad on any of the scale
degrees.
• The triad has the same function name as the
individual pitch.
• Both the pitch C and the C major triad are the
tonic.
Triad Names
Primary Triads
• Triads built on the tonic, subdominant and the
dominant are often referred to as the
PRIMARY TRIADS because of their strong
relationships to each other.
Homework
• Homework and classwork: Due Friday,
October 11 – Workbook 4 ABCD
Online Tests: 30 minutes.
• http://www.musictheory.net/exercises/chord/
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