Common Chord Shapes

Let's take a look at some common triad shapes.  The first grouping will use G as the root note.

G Major Triad

Major Triads are constructed with the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the major scale

G Augmented Triad

Augmented Triads are constructed with the 1st, 3rd, and #5th notes of the major scale

G Minor Triad

Minor Triads are constructed with the 1st, b3rd, and 5th notes of the major scale

G Diminished Triad

Diminished Triads are constructed with the 1st, b3rd, and b5th notes of the major scale

This next grouping of common triad shapes will use E as the root note.  These shapes will be in "first inversion" which means that the third of the chord will be in the bass position.

E Major Triad

E Augmented Triad

E Minor Triad

E Diminished Triad

This next grouping of common triad shapes will use A as the root note. These shapes will be in "second inversion" which means that the fifth of the chord will be in the bass position.

Chords Lesson

Common Triad Shapes