Triads are essential to being a well-rounded guitar player. If you have any desire to learn how to create your own guitar solos, relying on scales is not going to cut it. In fact, when people ask the question "How do I sound like I'm not just playing scales when I solo?" the answer is always the same: learn triads. Triads are chords, but they can be used as pivot points to allow you to identify particular chord tones over various progressions in order to amplify what makes each chord so special.

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Constructing a Major Triad

Triads are the most overlooked chords among guitarists, and you won’t be one of those guitarists. Get started with Major Triads.

Constructing a Minor Triad

Learn what makes a Minor Triad different from a Major Triad. Here's a hint -- flat the third!

Constructing an Augmented Triad

Learn to construct the very mysterious sounding Augmented Triad.

Constructing a Diminished Triad

Learn about the ominous sounding Diminished Triad and its inversions. It might sound strange by itself, but these Triads build unique tension in your playing when used correctly.

Understanding the Triad Study Materials

These diagrams will unlock the secret to triads.

Testing Your Triad Knowledge

Being able to recall and identify Triads on any string set and from any inversion is an important exercise to do if you want to implement Triads in your improvisation.

Implementing Triads Effectively

Targeting chord tones based on triad shapes is an extremely effective way to build them into your playing.

The Four Phases of Implementing Triads

Now that you've learned the triad shapes, it's time to understand how to seamlessly integrate them in your playing. The best way to do that is to use a song we can all sing in our sleep.