LearnMusicTheory.net High-Yield Music Theory, Vol. 4: Jazz Theory

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Section 4.1.5 O T H E R C O M M O N T R I A D T Y P E S

Four common triad types occur in jazz in addition to major triads. A minor triad is a major triad with the third lowered a half step by an accidental. Always change the accidental, not the letter name of the note. The “-“ after the note name of the root indicates a minor triad. See 4.1.3 Minor Triads.

A diminished triad is a major triad with both the third and the fifth lowered a half step. Again, change the accidentals, never the letter names of the notes. The “dim” after the note name of the root indicates a diminished triad.

An augmented triad is a major triad with the fifth raised a half step by an accidental. The “+” after the note name of the root indicates an augmented triad.

A sus triad is a triad that uses a perfect fourth above the root instead of the third. This “suspended” fourth doesn’t have to resolve in jazz like it does in classical music.

C C-

&lower 3

œœœ œb œœœb

C C´

&lower 3, 5

œœœ œœbb œœœbb

C C+&raise 5

œœœ œ# œœœ#

C C¸&use 4 not 3

œœœ œ œœœ

Minor triads

Diminished triads

Augmented triads

Sus triads