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Understanding Triads Worksheet

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Understanding Triads Worksheet

A triad is a three-note chord built from a root, a third and a fifth. Use the note spellings and semitone patterns provided to solve each task. For this worksheet, C to C♯ is one semitone; notes with the same pitch but different spellings are not needed.

Hear and identify the chord

Each triad has a root, third and fifth. Its quality depends on the intervals above the root.

1.Which set of notes forms a C major triad?
  • C–E–G
  • C–E♭–G
  • C–E♭–G♭
  • C–E–G♯
2.A keyboard player builds a triad with a minor third (3 semitones) from the root and a perfect fifth (7 semitones) from the root. What is the triad quality?
3.Match each triad quality to its interval pattern above the root.
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Diminished
  • Augmented
  • Minor third + diminished fifth (3 + 6 semitones)
  • Major third + perfect fifth (4 + 7 semitones)
  • Minor third + perfect fifth (3 + 7 semitones)
  • Major third + augmented fifth (4 + 8 semitones)

Build and read triads

Think of each chord as a stack of notes. The root gives the chord its name; the third and fifth determine its quality.

4.Complete the A minor triad: A – – E.
5.Complete the F major triad: F – A – .
6.A chord contains the notes G, B and D. Name the root and triad quality.
7.A composer wants a triad with an unsettled sound. Which option has a minor third and a diminished fifth above its root?
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Diminished
  • Augmented
8.The notes C–E–G♯ form a triad. Identify its quality and state how many semitones lie from C to G♯.

Arrange the sound

Now use triads as a composer would: make choices, check the chord pattern and explain the effect.

9.A game soundtrack needs a tense moment. Write one triad using C as its root, with the third 3 semitones above C and the fifth 6 semitones above C.
10.True or false: changing a major triad’s third from a major third to a minor third, while keeping its perfect fifth, makes it a minor triad.
TrueFalse
11.Create a four-chord progression using at least two different triad qualities. Write the chord names, then describe the mood you intend.

2 printable pages

  • Understanding Triads Worksheet, page 1 of 2: Hear and identify the chord, Build and read triads

    Page 1

  • Understanding Triads Worksheet, page 2 of 2: Arrange the sound

    Page 2

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