Ask Brendan is a monthly column where Guitar Educator, Brendan Burns, answers questions about music and the pursuit of Understanding and Mastering the guitar.

May 03

Q: Brendan, I know a lot of major and minor chords; both open and bar chords, but I’m not sure what notes I’m playing. What exactly are major and minor chords made up of?

B: That’s a very common question. I’ve explained in this old online lesson. - Enjoy.

How To Build A Triad:

Version 1

Triads are built from the 1st, 3rd, and 5th scale degrees of a scale.

Major:

The C Major Scale has the notes: C, E, & G as the 1st, 3rd, and 5th scale degrees; thus a C Major Triad is: C, E, & G. Because the 1st, 3rd, and 5th are from a major scale, the resulting chord is major.

Minor:

The C Minor Scale has the notes: C, Eb, & G as the 1st, 3rd, and 5th; thus a C Minor Triad is: C, Eb, & G. Because the 1st, 3rd, and 5th are from the minor scale, the resulting chord is minor.

Version 2

A triad is built off two intervals: a 3rd & a 5th; both from the root.

Major:

The Major Triad is built with a Major Third and a Perfect 5th; both from the Root.

Minor:

The Minor Triad is built with a Minor Third and a Perfect 5th; both from the Root.