Examples 3a - Triads

Goals for this topic

Using the examples below:

• determine what role each chord member – root, third, and fifth – plays in determining the quality of a triad
• find all three intervals contained in a root-position triad for each chord quality
• find the rest of the interval sizes beteween chord members of a triad (Hint: This may involve moving some chord members up or down an octave)
  • thirds (2)
  • fourth (1)
  • fifth (1)
  • sixths (2)
• relate these interval sizes to our system for labeling triad inversions
  • provide inversion figures for root position, first-inversion, and second-inversion triads
• be able to explain how to turn any inverted and/or open-voiced triad into a root-position triad in a closed voicing

Triad qualities

Triad inversions

Because ABC notation is not capable of using superscript, the inversion figures in the next example are notated as fractions. If you were to write these by hand or use custom notation software, you would notate all inversion figures using superscript. For example, a major chord in first inversion would be written as M⁶

Triad voicings