Triad review – Augmented and Diminished triads + Triad Quiz

Triad Review Checkpoint

In this checkpoint, let's review the triads that we've looked at. So far, we've covered:

• Major triads
• Minor triads
• Augmented triads
• Diminished triads

Major and Minor Triads

Here's a quick recap:

• A major triad consists of a major third and a perfect fifth.

• An augmented triad is created by raising the fifth of a major triad.

• A minor triad includes a minor third and a perfect fifth.

• A diminished triad is formed by flattening the fifth of a minor triad.

Understanding Diminished Triads

It's important to note that:

• Major and augmented triads both contain a major third.
• Minor and diminished triads both contain a minor third.

When we discuss the diminished triad:

• It is not symmetrical like the augmented triad.
• The augmented triad retains its shape when inverted.
• The diminished triad, however, looks quite different when inverted. Just remember to keep the same three notes in there.

Practical Application

Use these workouts to really get on top of your triad shapes because from now on, the harmony will become more complex and richer as you progress through the course.

Triad Quiz

To test you, let's do another triad quiz. I'm going to play 12 triads, and I want you to figure out what they are:

1. Sing them
2. See if you can hear the root

Here's the first one:

The answers are on the PDF. No cheating!

List of Triads to Identify:

• Number 2
• Number 3
• Number 4
• Number 5
• Number 6
• Number 7
• Number 8
• Number 9
• Number 10
• Number 11
• And finally, the last one

You'll find a mix of some minor, some major, some diminished, and some augmented triads in there. Happy identifying!