Wave 3 · Piano Chords

Major and Minor Piano Chords

Major and minor triads are the foundation of a huge amount of piano harmony. Learn their construction, then train your hands and ears together.

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Major triads

A major triad contains a root, major third and perfect fifth. On the keyboard, focus on the sound and interval pattern rather than memorizing one hand shape.

Minor triads

A minor triad lowers the third of the major triad by a semitone. That single change strongly alters the chord’s color.

Practical checkpoint: Choose one idea from this section and try it at the keyboard before moving on. Piano skills become useful through application, not just reading.

Practice around the circle

Pick three or four keys per week. Build the chords from roots, name the notes, then play them in inversions.

Train the ear

Alternate a major and minor chord with the same root. Try to identify the quality with your eyes closed before checking.

What to do next

Use the related guides below to continue along the same learning path rather than jumping to an unrelated topic.