Triads vs Chords | Is there a difference? (Patreon)

So what is a chord.... and what is a triad? Is there even a difference between the two? Chords are my absolute favorite topic because they affect how we FEEL. There's a chord for every emotion. Sadness, joy, suspense, mystery and more. In this lesson we'll uncover the magical world of harmony, how triads and chords differ, and even play around with 7th chords!

🛑 The 4 Types Of Triads

Now let's get down to business. A triad fits under the category of chords....but it's a specific type of chord. A chord can be 3, 4, 5, or even 69 notes. Basically, anything more than two notes is considered a chord. However, a triad is restricted to 3 notes. If you play anymore than 3 notes, you're out of triad territory. In this segment I'll show you the 4 types of triads on guitar. Each one has a distinct emotional character. One for happy days, one for sad days, one for strange days and one for downright horrible days muhahaha

MAJOR

Up first is the major triad. It contains 3 notes, A-C# and E. A is the root, C# is the 3rd and E is the 5th. Sound the chord over a drone to connect with the mood of this beautiful harmony. I'd describe it as happy, uplifting, joyful, sadistic....I mean gleeful. 

MINOR

Next we have the minor triad. This is more my style...dark, sad and melancholic vibes. The only difference here is we flat the 3rd of the major triad, giving us A-C and E. The root and the 5th stay exactly the same but the C# is dropped one half step to C. 

AUGMENTED

The augmented triad is a pretty scary sound. You'll often hear it in horror film scores to create an eerie, or frightening atmosphere. Build an augmented triad by raising the 5th of a major chord one half step. A-C# and E#. BOO!

DIMINISHED

The devilish diminished chord is the final triad variation. This chord is used extensively by artists like Yngwie Malmsteen in the neoclassical metal style. It signifies a dramatic turn of events are about to unfold. Like a sudden unexpected plot twist in a movie. Just flat the 5th of a minor chord to form a diminished triad, A-C and Eb

HOW THEY SOUND IN A SONG

The first thing everyone should do after learning theory is never apply it and forget everything right? Wrong muhahaha! Immediate application is the best way to retain knowledge. With that in mind, let's hear how the 4 types of triads sound in the worst song of all time, twinkle twinkle little star. First, I'll play you the melody on its own. The simple, straightforward nature of this line makes it ideal for testing out compositional ideas. Listen for a whole new world to unfold as I add the 4 types of triads. Wow, what a difference from the traditional version right? You can make the listener feel anything you want with a strong command of harmony. 

TWINKLE BREAKDOWN

I start with an Em triad, setting a melancholic tone. Next we hear an A major chord, resulting in a bittersweet clashing of dark and light. I love the Eb augmented chord, injecting a sudden twist of suspense. The following Am chord is rich and mournful. C#m and D# diminished lead us down the path to a satisfying resolution on the one chord Em. 2.

7th CHORDS 

Anything more than 3 notes is no longer considered to be a triad. For example, the James Bond chord isn't a triad because it contains 6 notes. The name's shred, shred bond muhahaha. The truth is, chords become much easier to understand once you realize where they come from. Believe it or not, chords are actually built from scales. Let me explain. The C major scale contains the notes C-D-E-F-G-A and B. Chords are made by selecting every other note of the scale. For example, C major is C-E and G, using the 1st, 3rd and 5th notes of the scale. Now, here's where things get crazy....if you add one additional note to the triad, you get a 7th chord! For example, C-E-G and B

4 Types Of 7th Chords

There's 4 types of 7th chords that occur in the major scale, major, minor, dominant and half diminished. The best way you can familiarize yourself with these rich, colorful emotions is by playing the 7th chord that arises from each degree of the major scale. Major 7th chord has a wistful, joyus disposition. The minor 7th brings a tear to our eyes. The Dominant 7th chord is the perfect playground to party over. Half diminished is my favorite, introducing a pregnant tension that cries for release

7th Chords In Action

The depth of emotion you can feel from 7th chords is actually quite astounding. I remember listening to composers in the library at music school. The exotic harmonies of Debussy, Ravel and others haunted my dreams. These master musicians made me feel things I didn't even know where possible. To demonstrate, I'm going to play twinkle twinkle using each variety of 7th chord found in the major scale. Listen for the unique feelings each chord creates within you. BreakdownThe childhood friendly nursery rhyme has morphed into a winding journey of harmonic surprises. Try pausing on each chord to peer deep within your soul. How would you describe the emotional content of each harmony in one word? 

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