The harmonious major triad is composed of three tones in simple, whole number ratios.

In music theory, a major chord () is a chord having a root, a major third, and a perfect fifth.^[1] When a chord has these three notes alone, it is called a major triad. Some major triads with additional notes, such as the major seventh chord, may also be called major chords.

A major triad can also be described as a major third interval with a minor third interval on top or as a root note, a note 4 semitones higher than the root, and a note 7 semitones higher than the root.

A minor chord () differs from a major chord in having a minor third above the root instead of a major third. It can also be described as a minor third with a major third on top, in contrast to a major chord, which has a major third with a minor third on top. They both contain fifths, because a major third (4 semitones) plus a minor third (3 semitones) equals a fifth (7 semitones).

An augmented chord is a major chord with a raised fifth.

An example of a major chord is the C major chord, which consists of the notes C, E and G.

A C major chord in its root position, first inversion, and second inversion, respectively

A major chord in just intonation is tuned to the frequency ratio 6:5:4 (), while in equal temperament it has 3 semitones between the third and fifth, 4 between the root and third, and 7 between the root and fifth. It is represented by the integer notation 0,4,7. In equal temperament, the fifth is only two cents narrower than the just perfect fifth, but the major third is noticeably different at 13.686 wider.

The major chord, along with the minor chord, is one of the basic building blocks of tonal music and the common practice period. It is considered consonant, stable, or not requiring resolution. In Western music, a minor chord, in comparison, "sounds darker than a major chord"^[2].

Major Chord Table

See also

• Major and minor
• musical tuning

Notes

References

• Miller, Michael. ''The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd ed''. [Indianapolis, IN]: Alpha, 2005. ISBN 1592574378.

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