Music theory basics · updated 2026-08-16

CHORD AND TRIAD

Three or more pitches sounding together. A triad stacks a root, a third and a fifth; add a seventh and you get the jazz and neo-soul colours.

Close-up of handwritten sheet music and a pencil on a piano music desk

SOURCES AND CITATIONS

Free, primary references for chord and triad — standards bodies, manufacturers, government offices and university course material.

RELATED TERMS IN MUSIC THEORY BASICS

Back to the full music glossary or read our latest articles.