Triads

Triads are the foundation of harmony. They are composed of a three-note chord: Root, 3rd, 5th. These are Intervals. The quality of the 3rd and 5th determine the chord type.

Type	Intervals	Example (C)	Diagram
Major	Root, Major 3rd, Perfect 5th	C E G
Minor	Root, Minor 3rd, Perfect 5	C E♭ G
Diminished	Root, Minor 3rd, Diminished 5	C E♭ G♭
Augmented	Root, Major 3rd, Augmented 5th	C E G#

Shapes

Each type of triad can be played from a different starting finger.

Major

Index	Middle	Pinky

Minor

Index	Ring	Pinky

Practice

Fret Zones

Divide frets 1-12 into 3 zones (1–5, 5–8, 8–12). Pick a zone and cycle through the circle of 4ths (see Circle of Fifths), e.g. C - F - Bb, etc. Choose a shape for each note that stays within the bounds of that zone.

• Get to know each shape by ascending and descending the triad.
• As you play a shape, be highly aware of the notes and Intervals you’re playing.
• Scott’s Bass Lessons on Youtube

Root - 3rd - 5th

Example Zone 1:

C (Middle)	F (Index)	Bb (Index)

Example Zone 2:

C (Pinky)	F (Pinky)	Bb (Middle)

Example Zone 3:

C (Index)	F (Index)	Bb (Index)

Root - 5th - 3rd

• TODO: Add exercise and diagrams

More

• Figure out the shapes for diminished and augmented triads.
• Use the pinky shape to play a chord
• If using guitar, translate these shapes to accommodate the B string

More Exercises

• Arpeggiate I → iii → V → vii in a key
  • Pick the correct chord shape (major or minor)
  • Experiment by making your own chord progression