Example 1
The first step in understanding triads and seventh chords is learning to identify major and minor thirds.
Question: Write the note a minor third below Db.
1. Count down three half steps
A minor third has three half steps. Going backwards throught the chromatic scale we get:
Db -> C -> B -> Bb.
2. Answer: It's Bb.
Example 2.
The notes in a triad are termed the root, third and fifth. Recognizing which note is the root, third or fifth is essential to understanding chord inversions.
Question: This is the third of a major chord. Write the chord in first inversion.
A major triad is built from two stacked thirds.
1. Find the Major third below G. It's Eb because there are four half steps in a major third.
2. Find the Minor third above G. The upper third is a minor third.
3. Build the triad. The root position Major triad now looks like this.
4. Write the chord in first inversion. A first inversion chord has the third as the lowest note.
5. Answer
