Identify Diminished and Augmented Triads - Music Learning Collective

The major and minor triads represent the core sounds of the majority of music we hear every day. However, there are two less common but still important triads called diminished and augmented.

The diminished triad is made up of two minor 3rds on top of each other. Like the minor triad, it has a minor 3rd but this time, the 5th is ‘diminished’, which means lowered or flattened, so would be spelled 1 b3 b5, which in the key of C is C Eb Gb. The b5 interval will always produce a high degree of dissonance/tension.

The augmented triad consists of two major 3rds on top of each other and has a more open, mysterious sound. Like the major triad, it has a major 3rd but the 5th is ‘augmented’, which means raised or sharpened. This triad would be spelled 1 3 #5, which in the key of C is C E G#.

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Music Production Listening Skills: Music Theory & Harmony Identify Diminished and Augmented Triads

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