Triad Qualities (M, m, d, A)

Definition

Triad qualities refer to the different qualities or characteristics that triads can have based on their intervals - major (M), minor (m), diminished (d), and augmented (A). These qualities determine the overall sound and mood of a triad.

Analogy

Imagine you have four different flavors of pizza - cheese, pepperoni, burnt crust, and extra toppings. Each flavor represents a different triad quality. The major triad is like classic cheese pizza - it sounds happy and satisfying. The minor triad is like pepperoni pizza - it has a bit more depth and emotion. The diminished triad is like burnt crust pizza - it sounds tense and unstable. The augmented triad is like pizza with extra toppings - it has an intense and heightened flavor.

Related terms

Root: The lowest note of a triad, which determines the name and quality of the triad.

Inversion: A rearrangement of the notes in a triad so that a different note becomes the lowest (or bass) note.

Seventh Chords: Chords that consist of four notes, including a triad with an added seventh interval.