Theory · Learning guide

Build a triad from intervals

Three notes can establish a powerful harmonic identity. The spacing between them makes the difference.

Major and minor

In equal temperament, a major triad contains the root, a major third four semitones above it and a perfect fifth seven semitones above it. A minor triad lowers the third by one semitone.

A familiar example

C major is C–E–G. C minor is C–E♭–G. Listen to the middle note: one semitone changes the quality while root and fifth stay the same.

Spelling matters

The tool uses a compact chromatic display with sharps. Formal notation may require enharmonic spellings such as E♭ rather than D♯. They share a piano key in equal temperament but have different theoretical roles.

Further reading: Reference source ↗. Written for this starter collection. Check primary references for specialised use.