Major, Minor, Diminished & Augmented Triads
Only four triad qualities exist, and each one is defined by a precise pair of semitone distances. Learn the formulas, then train your ear on each.
The four triad qualities
A triad's quality is set by two things: the size of the 3rd above the root, and the size of the 5th above the root. Every combination gives one of exactly four possible triads:
| Quality | 3rd | 5th | Semitones | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major | Major 3rd | Perfect 5th | 0-4-7 | Bright, resolved |
| Minor | Minor 3rd | Perfect 5th | 0-3-7 | Dark, moody |
| Diminished | Minor 3rd | Diminished 5th | 0-3-6 | Tense, unstable |
| Augmented | Major 3rd | Augmented 5th | 0-4-8 | Floating, ambiguous |
Where each quality shows up
Major and minor triads make up the vast majority of chords in pop, rock, and folk music. Diminished triads appear naturally on the 7th degree of a major scale (and the 2nd degree of natural minor) and are common in classical passing chords and jazz. Augmented triads are the rarest, prized in jazz and film scoring for their ambiguous, unresolved color.
Common questions
What is the difference between a major and minor triad?
A major triad is root, major 3rd (4 semitones), perfect 5th (7 semitones). A minor triad lowers the middle note to a minor 3rd (3 semitones) — the only difference.
What makes a diminished triad?
Two stacked minor thirds: root, minor 3rd, diminished 5th (0-3-6 semitones). The outer notes form a tritone, giving it a tense sound.
When is an augmented triad used?
Root, major 3rd, augmented 5th (0-4-8 semitones). Rarer, valued for its floating, unresolved quality in jazz, film scoring, and as a classical passing chord.
How can I identify a triad's quality by ear?
Listen to the root-to-3rd interval first (bright major or dark minor), then the outer 5th (stable perfect, tense diminished, or stretched augmented).
Play every triad on your instrument
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