Theory
🎹ChordsBeginnertriadschord-qualityconsonanceear-training

Major and Minor Triads

The two primary triad qualities built from major thirds and minor thirds, forming the foundation of tonal music and expressing the fundamental contrast between brightness (major) and darkness (minor).

Interactive Visualizations

Major vs. Minor Triad Comparison

Side-by-side interval structures and characteristics

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Keyboard Visual Patterns

Black/white key patterns for major and minor triads

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Staff Notation Recognition

Visual patterns on lines and spaces

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Major-Minor Emotional Spectrum

Brightness to darkness continuum

Consonance/Dissonance Spectrum

Intervals arranged by relative stability and tension

CONSONANCE
DISSONANCE
P1
Unison
P8
Octave
P5
Fifth
M3
Maj 3rd
m3
Min 3rd
M6
Maj 6th
m6
Min 6th
P4
Fourth
M2
Maj 2nd
m7
Min 7th
M7
Maj 7th
m2
Min 2nd
TT
Tritone
Perfect Consonances
P1, P5, P8
Maximum stability
Imperfect Consonances
M3, m3, M6, m6
Stable with color
Mild Dissonances
P4, M2, m7
Context-dependent
Strong Dissonances
m2, M7, TT
Maximum tension

Functional Roles in Keys

Major vs. minor triads on each scale degree

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Common Voice Leading Patterns

Smooth motion between major and minor triads

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I. Conceptual Positioning

🎯Problem Solved

How to create stable harmonic consonance with emotional polarity—major triads convey brightness, resolution, and optimism, while minor triads express darkness, introspection, and melancholy.

🔨Skills Built

  • Construct major and minor triads from any root
  • Identify major vs. minor quality by ear instantly
  • Understand interval structure (M3+m3 vs. m3+M3)
  • Apply major/minor function in progressions
  • Compose with intentional emotional character

🔗Connects To

intervals/major-thirdintervals/minor-thirdintervals/perfect-fifthscales/diatonicharmony/functionalchords/inversionsvoice-leading/principlesear-training/chord-quality

II. Knowledge Architecture

This section will be populated with core concepts, sub-concepts, and micro-concepts in future MDX content.

IV. Charts, Maps & Tables

Visual artifacts will be embedded in MDX content as React components.

V. Logical Learning Sequence

Learning progression will be defined in MDX content.

VII. Analytical Application

Cross-genre examples (classical, jazz, pop, film) will be provided in MDX content.

IX. Cross-Topic Network

Concept bridges and overlapping zones will be detailed in MDX content.

XI. Synthesis & Meta-Understanding

Mastery meaning and transformational impact will be explored in MDX content.

What This Unlocks

  • Enables functional harmony (tonic, dominant)

  • Foundation for seventh chords

  • Required for progressions and cadences

  • Basis for ear training chord recognition