Chords Lesson

Common Triad Shapes

Difficulty: beginner

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

G Major Triad

DBGDBG

Major Triads are constructed with the 1st, 3rd, and 5th 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

1st Inversion
EBG#EBG#

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

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.

A Major Triad

2nd Inversion
C#AEC#AE

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