Major and minor tonic triads
Only the middle note changes
The middle note decides whether a tonic triad sounds major or minor:
- in a major key it is 4 semitones above the tonic (a major 3rd);
- in a minor key it is 3 semitones above (a minor 3rd).
Quick check
A tonic triad's middle note is 3 semitones above the tonic. Is the key major or minor?
The minor tonic triads
- A minor: A C E
- E minor: E G B
- D minor: D F A
The raised 7th of a minor key is never part of its tonic triad.
Quick check
D minor's tonic triad is made of which three notes?
Remember
- The middle note: 4 semitones up is major, 3 is minor.
- A C E, E G B, D F A.
- The raised 7th is never in the tonic triad.
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