One-2-Five music theory E-tutor Grade 1c P4

Listen to the sound of the A minor triad. You will notice that it has a 'sad' or 'dark' effect compared with a major triad (or chord) which is much 'brighter' and cheerful. This is due to the 3rd (or middle note) measuring 3 semitones from the tonic note instead of 4 semitones as it is in the major triad (the 3rd in the minor scale is also 'flattened' producing the same effect in the scale) This is how music creates dramatic contrasts.

The 'quality' (whether major or minor) of a chord depends on whether the 3rd degree of the scale is 'flattened' or not.

Notes 1 and 5 are the same in major and minor triads.

The notes of A minor (triad) spell A-C-E

Tonic Chords (pictured above)
Remember a tonic triad has 3 notes. Well these 3 are retained in the 'tonic chord' but another note is added. The extra note is the 8th note of the scale (or the 'octave' above the tonic note)

A tonic chord has 4 notes. The scale degrees are 1-3-5-8

The 'octave' is added to the triad to make the 'common chord' Remember to use key signatures where appropriate.

Points to remember

1. A tonic chord has 4 notes.

2. The scale degrees are 1-3-5-8

3. The 'octave' is added to the triad to make the 'common chord'

4. Remember to use key signatures where appropriate.

C major triad

C minor triad

Grade 1C

Points to remember