Triads

Let's review playing triads on a keyboard. Remember lesson 1 in the GarageBand piano lessons? In that lesson, you were playing 3 triads, C, F and G.

Here are the triads and the notes in them:

C: C E G



F: F A C



G: G B D

 

• Experiment playing these three triads in different combinations using a Grand Piano track. If you like what you hear, record yourself. 

• You can also try recording using a different software instrument. Try changing the Grand Piano track to another instrument by double clicking on the green area of the track. The Track Info window will open on the right side. Some software instrument options would not work to play triads, like Drum Kits or Sound Effects. Some Synth instruments will also not work, because they can only play one at a time (they are monophonic.) If you are not sure if you are hearing all three notes of the triads, ask the teacher. 

• If you can play the above triads in any combination with a different software instrument and you like the sound of it, try recording it.

Now, lets experiment playing some other triads, still using just white keys

Try these:

Am (A minor): A C E

 

Dm (D minor): D F A



Em (E minor): E G B

 

Bdim (B diminished): B D F

• Try playing these new triads in different combinations with various software instrument sounds.
• Record yourself any time you want.
•  Have fun!!