Major triads

The most common chords are triads, which are built by adding the third and fifth notes in the scale above a starting note (or root). For example, in C major, the triad built on C contains:

• C (the root)
• E (the third note above C; often called just "the third")
• G (the fifth note above C; often called just "the fifth")

This is called the C major triad.

Make the C major triad below:

As with major scales, most people hear major triads as "happy" or "uplifting."