triadsthreenote

Triadsthreenote is a term used in music theory and certain software contexts to designate a chord that consists of exactly three notes: the root, a third, and a fifth. The label highlights the minimal, triadic structure and sets it apart from chords that include added tones or extensions.

Usage and compatibility: The term is not widely standardized; many theoretical texts simply refer to such chords as triads. In software and notation databases, triadsthreenote can be used to tag basic triads that do not include seventh, ninth, or other extensions.

Structure and types: A triadsthreenote can be major, minor, diminished, or augmented, depending on the interval quality between the root and third and between the third and fifth. In common-practice harmony, the triad’s essential identity is determined by these two intervals, while inversions affect voicing rather than basic structure.

Applications: It forms the foundation of tonal harmony and chord progressions, and serves as a teaching unit in music education. In analysis, it is used to demonstrate basic chord construction, voice leading, and roman numeral notation.

Relation to other terms: Triadsthreenote and triad are often used interchangeably; however, triadsthreenote emphasizes that no added tones are present. The term contrasts with tetrads, seventh chords, suspended chords, and other extended harmonies.

See also: triad (music), chord, harmony, tetrad.