Triads: Everything You Need to Know Guitar Lesson
Triads: Everything You Need to Know
Chris Liepe breaks through his 10th lesson with a detailed discussion of triads. Dig in and take these triads for a ride!
Taught by Chris Liepe in Basic Electric Guitar with Chris seriesLength: 24:14Difficulty: 2.5 of 5
In this lesson, you will learn the basic movable major and minor triad forms along two different sets of strings. The theory behind triads, in-depth demonstrations, and an extended practice track are provided to help drive the concept of major and minor triads home.
A Triad...
Is a group of three notes that can be played either melodically (one after another) or harmonically (all together at the same time -- a chord). It is the most basic form of a chord, and most chords include a complete triad along with either duplicate or additional notes.
A triad is built from a "root" (R), a 3rd, and a 5th. The root is the note that the triad is based on. In this case, the root is not specific to any key, simply the note by which the triad is defined. Be sure to view the "intervals" lesson in this series if you have not already.
The three notes comprising the triad can be stacked in any order with any of the three notes functioning as the bass note (which does not change the root of the triad, just the lowest note). When played in any order other than R, 3rd, 5th, an "inversion" of the triad occurs. A triad with the 3rd in the bass is called a "1st inversion" triad. A triad with the 5th in the bass is considered to be a "2nd inversion" triad. In songs you have played, you may have seen a chord written as "G/B" or "A/E". The first note (the root) is the name of the chord. The second note is the bass note. Since B is the 3rd of G, G/B is an example a 1st inversion triad.
This lesson covers both major and minor triads. A minor triad shares all characteristics with the major except that the 3rd is lowered a half step (b3).
Refer to the "Major and Minor Triads" sheet in the supplemental content for all of the positions covered.
The Backing Track:
This track covers all positions taught in the lesson. All positions are first illustrated in the supplemental content as either a G major or G minor chord. The track starts with major triads in the key of D, and then goes to G major for the 1-3 string positions. Half way through, the track switches to minor positions. Note the triplet feel. You'll start out playing whole notes, and then work in strum patterns as you feel comfortable. It is less important to strum accurately to the provided tab and more important to start feeling comfortable with the positions. The track simply provides you a musical context to get familiar with the positions, and a way to apply what you are learning. Have fun with this one! -Chris
Supplemental Learning Material
Basic Electric Guitar with Chris
Found in our Beginner Lesson SetsChris will guide you through the world of electric guitar in this series.
Lesson 1
Introduction to Your Electric Guitar
Chris Liepe talks about the absolute basics of the guitar, including tuning, the guitar parts, and proper technique.
Length: 23:21 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Playing Your First Chords
Chris Liepe introduces you to your very first 2 chords, E and A. Since this is your first chord lesson, Chris also introduces a backing track for you to slowly play along with. Practicing in this manner...
Length: 28:54 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
3 New Chords: Complete the CAGED Method
Here in lesson 3, Chris teaches the C, G, and D chords. Once you have mastered the chords taught in this lesson and the previous lesson, you will have learned the CAGED method of remembering open chord...
Length: 12:22 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
The Basics to Tablature, Chord Charts, and Musical Notation
Chris is back with his most information packed lesson to date. In this lesson, you will learn how to read tablature, chord charts and musical notation. All of these tools will drastically help you in your...
Length: 25:38 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Introduction to the Concept of Scales
Chris Liepe is back in lesson 5 with an introduction to scales. In this lesson, you will learn how to play up and down simple scale patterns.
Length: 21:07 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Beginner Electric with Chris Liepe: Barre and Minor Chords
In this lesson, Chris introduces minor chords and barre chords.
Length: 25:23 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Strum Patterns and Time Signatues
Chris Liepe lays down some grooves in this lesson! He provides instruction on rhythmic strumming patterns and time signatures such as 4/4, 3/4, and 6/8.
Length: 21:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
All About Intervals
Intervals, Intervals, Intervals! Chris Liepe explains what they are, where they are found, and how to play them in this lesson.
Length: 14:07 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Intervals Pop Quiz
Sharpen your pencils and grab your guitar. It's pop quiz time. Chris Liepe adds to his beginner lesson series with a quiz on intervals. This is a hands-on lesson that will undoubtedly improve your ears....
Length: 15:39 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Triads: Everything You Need to Know
Chris Liepe breaks through his 10th lesson with a detailed discussion of triads. Dig in and take these triads for a ride!
Length: 24:14 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Effect Pedal Mini Series
This lesson begins a mini-series on effects pedals. Chris breaks down routing and how effects work with each other.
Length: 8:20 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Effect Pedal: Compression
The compression effect pedal is one of the most misunderstood pedals around. Chris Liepe finally sheds some light on the subject. By explaining all the different options and sounds this pedal can create,...
Length: 14:12 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Gain Stacking with Overdrive and Distortion
Chris Liepe is back with the 3rd installment in his Effects Pedal mini-series. He explains the concept of "gain stacking" by combining an Ibanez Tube Screamer and a Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal.
Length: 7:54 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Effect Pedal: Delay
Chris Liepe adds yet another lesson to his effect pedal-mini series. Here he covers the delay pedal. This effect that operates on the principles of time and rhythm. Use this pedal to add depth to your...
Length: 19:52 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Effect Pedal: Chorus
Chris Liepe quickly demonstrates the chorus pedal with some 80's style licks. This pedal can create a deep and rich addition to solos or add the illusion of multiple guitars.
Length: 3:28 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Understanding Key Signatures
Key Signatures! How do they relate to one another? Chris Liepe explains them in lesson 16 of his beginner series. Getting familiar with your key signatures will help pull everything together that has been...
Length: 15:21 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Chord Harmony Basics
Chris Liepe demonstrates how to take a key signature (the set notes within a key) and stack 3rds on top of a root note to form chords. With the help of a modulating backing track, this should be a fun...
Length: 30:02 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Technique Basics: Alternate Picking
Chris explains and demonstrates the very basics of alternate picking. He also provides simple exercises to develop the technique in your own playing.
Length: 16:03 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Technique Basics: Legato Playing
Chris details and demonstrates the fundamental movements and suggested left hand position for legato playing -- specifically hammer-ons and pull-offs. He also provides exercises for developing the technique.
Length: 16:11 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 20
Technique Basics: Palm Muting
Chris talks about proper palm muting and discusses potential snags when first attempting the technique. He offers a number of exercises and patterns to help palm muting become a part of your rhythm playing.
Length: 9:22 Difficulty: 1.0 FREE
Technique Basics: Hybrid Picking
Hybrid Picking can add a fresh dimension to your chord and rhythm playing. In this lesson, Chris briefly covers how to get started with Hybrid Picking and offers two exercises that you can use to apply...
Length: 6:27 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Major Scale Positions in G (Part 1)
Chris talks about what it means to play in position and teaches three of the five "CAGED" major scale positions in the key of G.
Length: 12:44 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Major Scale Positions in G (Part 2)
Chris continues in his teaching of the five basic "CAGED" major scale positions in the key of G.
Length: 11:39 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
About Chris Liepe
View Full Biography
Chris Liepe was born on September 17th, 1981 in Portland OR. His first instrument was piano which he pursued until discovering his love for the electric guitar in high school. He became fans of such groups as Soundgarden, Collective Soul and U2 inspiring him to start singing, songwriting and helping others in their musical endeavors with teaching, co-writing and album production.
Having moved to Colorado with his family, he began gigging, recording and teaching in a number of music stores as well as out of his apartment until deciding to pursue music full time. He moved to Denver, CO to complete a Bachelors in Music Technology and was then hired on by Sweetwater Productions, a division of Sweetwater Sound and one of the largest, most successful recording studios in the Midwest.
Chris spent nearly 4 years at Sweetwater as a producer, recording engineer, studio musician and writer. During this time he had the privilege of working with many artists including Augustana, Landon Pigg, Jars of Clay, and Mercy Me. He also wrote for and played on numerous independent albums and hundreds of radio/TV commercials.
Wanting to get back to his favorite State in the world (Colorado) and feeling the urge to 'go freelance', Chris moved to Greeley, CO and opened his own recording and teaching studio. He continues to write and produce music for artists and agencies and is happy to be among the proud JamPlay.com instructors.
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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.Chris, None of the printed supplemental material seems to show the progressive triad chords for the track. You talk us through the progressions in the video but I don't see them in the printed material. Im I missing something? Wayne
I think what you're looking for is under the "practice track" supp content. Let me know if this isn't what you're looking for
Chris, None of the printed supplemental material seems to show the progressive triad chords for the track. You talk us through the progressions in the video but I don't see them in the printed material. Im I missing something? Wayne
new here so i'll wait to put my foot in my mouth...but it would be nice if the chords were marked on GP5, like Gm, C, ect.... maybe user error....... but first time here and it is very helpful....thanks
new here so i'll wait to put my foot in my mouth...but it would be nice if the chords were marked on GP5, like Gm, C, ect.... maybe user error....... but first time here and it is very helpful....thanks
Hey Chris, Do I have to purchase guitar pro5 to be able to open a gp5 file?
hey chris. what is the fretting on the first invertion c tridad
Wow. A workout. Good. I had someone start me on triads once and I just couldn't simply memorize them. It sure helps with a backing track! One question though. The notation is 3 eighth-notes, 1 quarter-note, 3 eighth notes. Seems like you are playing 8 eighth-notes. Yes?
Do we use these in songs?
yes. triads are the building blocks of chords. Almost every song out there has triads in them.
Finally a lesson that covers triads and their inversions! I've been searching for this during years of self-teaching.
This lesson has finally lit the light bulb above my skull that I have been looking for. I have been looking for some connection / pattern and it is finally making some sense musically. Thanks Chris.
Unchained by Van Halen the intro riff and Crazy Train use some of this Triads and are good examples.
Chris, thank you for as great lesson. I also recommend Brendan Burns lesson on Phase 2. It made it easier for me to follow this lesson.
thanks a lot Chris, your lesson i very useful using mini chords all around the neck.
Great lesson and both thumbs up to Guitar Pro5 tabs.. :D
thanks! and you're welcome!