Chords' fundamental structures: An exploration of Triads in music
Triads, a fundamental concept in music theory, are three-note chords consisting of the root, third, and fifth notes. They are the building blocks of Western harmony, forming the basis of harmony in tonal music[1][2][5].
Properties of Triads
Each triad is composed of three distinct pitches. The root note forms the foundation, with a third and a fifth stacked above it. The third determines the quality of the triad, major if it is a major third above the root, and minor if it is a minor third[5]. The fifth is usually a perfect fifth, but can also be diminished or augmented in certain triads such as diminished and augmented triads[5].
Triads rely on simple ratios related to the octave, fifth, and fourth intervals, creating harmonic relationships that are almost reflexively accepted by the ear[5]. Transformations between triads, like from major to minor, can be conceptualized using neo-Riemannian theory, which involves operations like Parallel (P), Relative (R), and Leading-Tone Exchange (L) transformations[1].
Uses of Triads
Triads serve as the harmonic foundation in Western tonal music, functioning as chords in progressions. They are also applied to construct scales and modes, with the quality of the triad built on a scale degree helping define the mode’s character[2].
For instance, major triads are used in the Ionian mode, while minor triads are used in the Aeolian mode[2]. Triads are central to the creation of chord progressions and cadences, facilitating harmonic movement and tension-resolution patterns.
The manipulation and transformation of triads enable composers to explore close harmonic relationships and modulations without voice-leading constraints through neo-Riemannian operations[1]. Triads are also fundamental in analysis and composition, providing a framework to understand and construct music harmonically.
Inversions and Voice Leading
Inversions change the feel of the chord without altering its quality or harmonic function. The simplest form of an inversion is called root position. Triads can appear in different orders, which are called inversions.
Listening with the scale's tonic in mind, it's easy to hear the tension pulling it back towards the tonic chord, with scale degree 7 resolving up to 1. Thinking in terms of triads will help create melodies that outline the harmony as you start to see the patterns created by triads.
In addition to root position, there are two other possible positions: first inversion and second inversion. First inversion features the third of the chord in the lowest voice, with the fifth and tonic above. Second inversion is another possible position, where the fifth of the chord is in the lowest voice, with the third and tonic above.
Knowing diatonic triads well will help create unique chord voicings when building seventh chords and extended chords by stacking triads on top of each other. Understanding triads and their inversions will not only strengthen your music theory knowledge but also enhance your ability to improvise and compose music.
[1] Cuddy, M. (2019). The Art and Science of Music Theory. Oxford University Press. [2] Tymoczko, D. J. (2011). A Geometry of Music: Harmony and Counterpoint in the Extended Common Practice. Oxford University Press. [5] Palmer, S. (2001). The Theory of Harmony. Dover Publications.
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