Harmonic triads are more commonly referred to as simply, triads. Triads are a simultaneous combination of three different notes. All triads are three note chords but not all three note chords are triads. These are the four types of triads: Major (1,3,5), Minor (1,b3,5), Diminished (1,b3,b5), and Augmented (1,3,#5). All notes have a harmonic series. The tonic is the fundamental note, 1. The 5th and the 3rd are the most distinguished over-tones that give the triad a strong sound. Triads have many uses. A beginner can find using them easier than playing the full chord. They can be part of an intro, a creative fill, or a solo.
The diagrams below have seven examples of each of the four variations in the key of A. Each triad in the diagrams can be moved up and down the fretboard to be played in different keys.
