Triads Triads are examples of chords, musical structures to be played simultaneously or in a melodic line. Harmony is a word used to describe the musical effect produced by the simultaneous sounding of several pitches. A major triad is derived from the first (I), third (III), and fifth (V) degree of the major scale. For example, the C major triad is formed from the notes C, E, and G. C is the root of a C major chord. A minor triad is derived from the major scale degrees I, bIII, and V. A C minor chord is therefore made up of C, bE, and G. Less common are diminished triads (I, bIII, bV) and augmented triads (I, III, #V). The notation of the C major and minor triads is shown below. The Major and Minor Triad Play - Stop Back