The four tonic triads
C, G, D and F
The four Grade 1 tonic triads, each with the tonic at the bottom:
- C major: C E G
- G major: G B D
- D major: D F sharp A
- F major: F A C
D major needs its F sharp
With no key signature, check each note against the key. D major's tonic triad always needs F sharp. Without its sharp, D F A is not D major's triad.
Quick check
There is no key signature. Is this the tonic triad of D major?
Worked example: the missing note
Two notes of the tonic triad of G major are written: G and D.
- The tonic is G, the bottom note.
- The 3rd above G is B: G, A, B.
- So the missing middle note is B.
Quick check
The tonic triad of F major has F and C written. Which note is missing?
Remember
- C E G, G B D, D F sharp A, F A C.
- No key signature: D major's triad needs its F sharp.
- A note missing? Count up from the tonic.
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