Major Triad

Root–major third–perfect fifth; bright, stable consonance.

Major Triad

The Major Triad is the most stable and consonant chord in tonal music.

It represents brightness, resolution, and harmonic “home.”

Every major key centers around its tonic major triad — it’s the reference point for all other chords and progressions.

Structure

A major triad is built by stacking a major third (4 semitones) and then a minor third (3 semitones) above the root.

Formula:

Root – Major 3rd – Perfect 5th

Semitone steps from root: 0 – 4 – 7

Example (C Major Triad):

C – E – G

Interval	Distance	Note	Function
Root	0	C	Tonal center
Major 3rd	+4	E	Defines “major” quality
Perfect 5th	+7	G	Adds stability and fullness

Interval Structure (Stacked Thirds)

From	To	Interval	Size	Result
Root → 3rd	Major 3rd	4 semitones	Bright, defining
3rd → 5th	Minor 3rd	3 semitones	Balances the upper structure
Root → 5th	Perfect 5th	7 semitones	Resonant, stable base

Inversions

Major triads have three positions — each creates a different texture and bass motion:

Inversion	Notes (C Major)	Symbol	Bass Note	Function
Root Position	C–E–G	C	C	Most stable, tonic reference
1st Inversion	E–G–C	C/E	E	Smooth voice leading (light sound)
2nd Inversion	G–C–E	C/G	G	Useful in cadences and passing chords

Roman Numeral Function

Scale Degree	In Major Key	In Minor Key
I	Tonic (home chord)	III
IV	Subdominant	VI
V	dominant	VII

Major triads act as pillars of tonal harmony — I, IV, and V in a major key define the harmonic framework of most Western music.

Emotional Character

Real-World Examples

Song	Artist	Key	Notes
“Let It Be”	The Beatles	C Major	I–V–vi–IV progression centered on C Major
“Here Comes the Sun”	The Beatles	A Major	Pure major brightness throughout
“Don’t Stop Believin’”	Journey	E Major	Triadic piano chords driving the harmony
“Happy”	Pharrell Williams	F Major	dominant major tonality, no minor pull
“Born to Run”	Bruce Springsteen	E Major	Classic I–IV–V triad rock foundation

Application Tips

Summary

Attribute	Value
Formula	1 – 3 – 5
Semitones	0 – 4 – 7
Tonality	Major
Emotional Color	Bright, stable, open
Function	Tonic, subdominant, or dominant
Inversions	Root, 1st, 2nd
Common Progressions	I–IV–V, I–V–vi–IV
Used In	Nearly all tonal music; foundation of harmony