Triads

A triad is a chord boiled to its three essential notes: the root, the third, and the fifth. The third decides whether the chord is major or minor. On guitar, triads are small three-string grips, loved by electric players because they are compact, they cut through a band, and they can be played all over the neck.

The same three notes can be stacked in three orders, called inversions. In root position the root is the lowest note. In first inversion the third is the lowest note. In second inversion the fifth is the lowest note. Same chord, different flavor and different position on the neck.

Every shape on this page is movable: learn the grip once, then slide it so its root lands on the note you want. Each shape is a level 3 heading, with concrete examples underneath.