By this time we all know what triads are. Or do we? Here's a quick refresher. A triad is a chord made up of three notes. There's the major triad which is comprised of the 1st, 3rd, and 5th degrees of the scale. Using the key of C: (C,E,G). Then we have the minor triad: 1st, flat 3rd, and 5th degrees of the scale. Using C as the root we have: (C, Eb,G). That brings us to the Augmented triad: 1st, 3rd, raised 5th. C- again if you will: (C,E,G#). Then you have the diminished triad: 1st, flat 3rd, flat 5th. (C,Eb,Gb). There are others such as the sus4 and sus2 triads. (C,F,G), and (C,D,G). This lesson we're going to start with the major triads and how they can be played over the entire fretboard. The example will show the three major triads in the key of C: Cmajor triad, Fmajor triad and Gmajor triad. Briefly, It is common knowledge, when in a major key and using triads, the 1st degree, the fourth degree, and the fifith degree are the major triads. The second degree, the third degree, and the vi degree are the minor triads. So in the key of C, once again: C(maj), D(min), E(min), F(maj), G(maj), A(min), B(dim). This is what is called "diatonic." Check out the example:
