Diatonic Major Scale Guitar Triads

The Three Types Of Triads From The Major Scale

In the major scale, there are three types of triads that naturally occur:

1. Major Triads (Root, Major 3rd, Perfect 5th)

Found on the 1st (I), 4th (IV), and 5th (V) scale degrees.

Example in C Major: C (C-E-G), F (F-A-C), G (G-B-D).

Sound: Bright, stable, and strong.

2. Minor Triads (Root, Minor 3rd, Perfect 5th)

Found on the 2nd (ii), 3rd (iii), and 6th (vi) scale degrees.

Example in C Major: Dm (D-F-A), Em (E-G-B), Am (A-C-E).

Sound: Sad, moody, and emotional

3. Diminished Triad (Root, Minor 3rd, Diminished 5th)

Found on the 7th (vii°) scale degree only.

Example in C Major: B diminished (B-D-F).

Sound: Tense, unstable, and dissonant.

These triads form the foundation of harmonization in major keys and are used in everything from simple chord progressions to complex jazz harmonies.