Triad Types
A triad is a stack of three notes, including the bottom note, or root. Above the root is a 3rd and a 5th.
A major triad has a major 3rd and a perfect 5th above the root.
A minor triad has a minor 3rd and a perfect 5th above the root.
A diminished triad has a minor 3rd and a diminished 5th above the root.
An augmented triad has a major third and an augmented 5th above the root.
Inverted Triads
Three voicings are possible for a triad; Root position,
First inversion, and
Second inversion. Triads are "inverted" when the 3rd or 5th appears in the bass, rather than the root. When using
lead sheet symbols, simply put the bass note under a slash to indicate inversion. If using
figured bass, the inversion numbers are as follows: