C Major Triad

This is a C Major Triad. It contains 3 notes: the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes in the C major scale. On many chord diagrams, you'll see the 1st note written with an "R" meaning "Root," it's the root note of the chord.  

In the key of C, the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the major scale are C, E, and G. Click the "notes" button on the chart above to see these notes on the fretboard and staff.

C Minor Triad

This is a C Minor Triad. It contains 3 notes: the 1st, b3rd, and 5th notes in the major scale. "b3rd" means the third note in the scale has been lowered by one half step, in this case, from E to Eb.

In the key of C, the 1st, b3rd, and 5th notes of the major scale are C, Eb, and G. Click the "notes" button on the chart above to see these notes on the fretboard and staff.

Chord Construction - Major - Minor

Diagram Collection