Build Triads in Root Position: Staff Exercise

The bass note (the root) and the type of chord are shown. Your task is to place the third and the fifth on the staff. Click on the staff to place each note, and use the accidental buttons before placing it.

Do you want it as a game? In Billiards every ball carries a chord: you build its notes on the staff and, if they are right, the ball goes in. You can play alone or in class, taking turns.

Types of chord

Type	Third	Fifth	Example
Major	Major 3rd (4 half steps)	Perfect 5th (7)	C – E – G
Minor	minor 3rd (3 half steps)	Perfect 5th (7)	D – F – A
Diminished	minor 3rd (3 half steps)	Diminished 5th (6)	B – D – F
Augmented	Major 3rd (4 half steps)	Augmented 5th (8)	C – E – G♯

Exercise

For the opposite skill, identify triads in root position.

If you practice these chords on an instrument, the online metronome helps you build speed gradually: start slowly (50-60 BPM) and speed up a little at a time. The online tuner lets you check that every note of the chord is in tune.

For the full theory of each triad, see the page on triads, with the diminished chord and the augmented chord.

Printable worksheet (PDF)

The same exercise on paper, for class: 21 triads in root position on one side of A4. Each staff gives the lowest note of the chord and you add the other two. With a separate answer sheet, where the added notes appear in red.

It goes from easier to harder: first chords with natural notes in treble clef, then with sharps and flats and the bass clef coming in gradually, and finally a few with a double accidental.

Printable PDF worksheet to write 21 triads in root position — A4 sheet with 21 triads in root position to write.

Download the worksheet (PDF, A4) Answers

You may print and photocopy it freely for the classroom. To practice in the other direction, see the worksheet to analyze triads in root position.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you build a major triad from scratch?

Write the root on the staff and go up a major third (4 half steps): two staff positions up, with the accidental needed to get exactly 4 half steps. From that note, go up a minor third (3 half steps) to get the perfect fifth. Example: C → E (major 3rd) → G (minor 3rd) = C major.

How do you build a minor triad?

Write the root and go up a minor third (3 half steps) to get the third. Then go up a major third (4 half steps) to get the fifth. The fifth is always perfect (7 half steps above the root). Example: A → C (minor 3rd) → E (major 3rd) = A minor.

How do you build a diminished triad?

Write the root and go up a minor third (3 half steps). Then go up another minor third: the result is the diminished fifth (6 half steps above the root, a tritone). Example: B → D (minor 3rd) → F (minor 3rd) = B diminished.

How do you build an augmented triad?

Write the root and go up a major third (4 half steps). Then go up another major third: the result is the augmented fifth (8 half steps above the root). Example: C → E (major 3rd) → G♯ (major 3rd) = C augmented.

How do I check that a triad I built is correct?

Check the two intervals above the bass note. 1) The middle note must be the right number of half steps above the root: 4 for a major third, 3 for a minor third. 2) The top note must be 7 half steps above the root (perfect fifth), 6 (diminished) or 8 (augmented). If both are right, the triad is correct. In an inversion, do this check on the chord rearranged in root position.