A triad is a group of three notes.
The open and barre chords we've learned so far are all triads because they all contain three different notes.
The three different notes are based on the interval, or distance, of a third. We'll show you how to use the major scale here to find the thirds that form a triad.
The thirds that form a triad may be doubled or even tripled in a chord, as you'll find is the case with most open and barre chords. That's totally okay. You'll find this is why you like the sound of certain chord voicings over others.
Use this method of finding the notes in any triad throughout our series on triad inversions as a method of checking the notes in your inversions. You'll find it helpful with the inversions as well as helpful in learning the entire fretboard.
Last but not least, try naming the triad's notes in all the chords you know. It's great practice and will help you make the most of this lesson series.




Ready For More Lessons?
- Finger and Picking Technique Exercise 1
- Finger and Picking Technique Exercise 2
- Intro to Two Basic Fretboard Motions
- Finger and Picking Technique Exercise 4
- Introduction to the CAGED System
- CAGED System: C Form Scale
- CAGED System: A Form Scale
- CAGED System: G Form Scale
- CAGED System: E Form Scale
- CAGED System: D Form Scale
- CAGED Scale Practice Techniques: 8th Notes
- CAGED Speed/Technique Exercises: Triplets
- CAGED Scale Practice Techniques: 16th Notes
- Intro to Articulations: It's How You Play It
- Hammer-On Exercise 1
- Pull-Off Exercise 1
- Introduction to Chromaticism
- Standard Lick 1 From the C Form Scale
- C Form Lick 1 Playalong
- C Form Lick 1 Modification and Playalong
- Standard Lick 1 From the A Form Scale
- A Form Lick 1 Playalong
- A Form Lick 1 Modification and Playalong
- Standard Lick 1 From the G Form Scale
- G Form Lick 1 Playalong
- G Form Lick 1 Modification and Playalong
- Standard Lick 1 From the E Form Scale
- E Form Lick 1 Playalong
- E Form Lick 1 Modification and Playalong
- Standard Lick 1 From the D Form Scale
- D Form Lick 1 Playalong
- D Form Lick 1 Modification and Playalong
- Introduction to Triad Inversions
- Major Triad Inversions 1
- Major Triad Inversions 2
- Major Triad Inversions 3
- Minor Triad Inversions 1
- Minor Triad Inversions 2
- Minor Triad Inversions 3
- Putting Chord Inversions Together 1
- Putting Chord Inversions Together 2
- Dominant 7 Chords
- Dominant 9 Chords
- Dominant 13 Chords
- Major 7 Chords
- Add 9 and Add 9 No 3 Chords
- Minor 7 Chords
- Minor 9 Chords
- Minor and Major 11 and Sus 4 Chords
- Progression In D #1
- Split Bar Progression in E #2
- Split Bar Progression in G #3
- Split Bar Progression in A #1
- Split Bar Progression in A #2
- 3/4 Progression #1 in D Major
- 3/4 Progression in D #2
- 6/8 Progression #1 in C Major
- 6/8 Progression #2 in C Major
- 12/8 Progression in E #1
- 12/8 Progression in E #2
- Strum Pattern 1
- Strum Pattern 1 in Open Chord Progression
- Strum Pattern 1 Developed with Percussion
- Strum Pattern 1 with Chord Embellishments
- Strum Pattern 2 Like A Snare Drum
- Strum Pattern 2 With Chord Embellishments
- Strum Pattern 3 With Palm Muting
- Introduction to Hybrid Picking
- Hybrid Picking Exercise 1
- Hybrid Picking Exercise 2
- Hybrid Picking Exercise 3
- Hybrid Picking Exercise 4
- Hybrid Picking Exercise 5
- Hybrid Picking Exercise 6
- Traditional Country Fill 1: Key of G
- Traditional Country Fill 1: Key of G in 3/4
- Traditional Country Fill 2: Barre Chord Fill
- An Intro to "The Intro", and Kick Off #1
- Kick Off #1: With Some Added Spice
- Kick Off #1: In All Keys
- Kick Off #1: Throughout the CAGED System
- Kick Off #2
- Kick Off #3: Kickin' It With Inversions
- Kick Off #4
- Kick Off #4: Playalong
- Kick Off #5, plus Playalong
- Kick Off #6
- Kick Off #7: THE Classic Short Kick Off
- Introduction to Traditional Country
- Traditional Country, Example 1
- Traditional Country, Example 2
- Traditional Country Tone
- Introduction to the Chet Atkins Style
- Chet Atkins Style: Example 1
- Chet Atkins Style: Example 2
- Chet Atkins Style Tone
- Introduction to Modern Country
- Modern Country, Example 1
- Modern Country, Example 2
- Modern Country Tone
- Introduction to the Brent Mason Style
- Brent Mason Style: Example 1
- Brent Mason Style: Example 2
- Brent Mason Style Tone
- Introduction to the Bluegrass Style
- Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar Example 1
- Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar Example 2
- Bluegrass Tone and Equipment

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