Core `Ukulele Chords, Traditional and Contemporary Triads

Major, Minor, Diminished, Augumented, Suspended, Add and Lydian chords.

Published: 14 Feb 2013 Updated: 20 Dec 2022Visits: 562Code: UL42-TRI

Category: ChordsInstrument: Ukulele Subjects: Chords • Theory • Intermediate • Improvisation • Core • Triads

Share Core `Ukulele Chords, Traditional and Contemporary Triads on: Bluesky facebook twitter (X)

All 2 sample page(s) are viewable on-line.

If you are a registered site member, have verified your email address, and have the correct permissions you can view ALL the pages of this PDF or Samples pages at a larger size using the LearningUkulele.com Online PDF Viewer .

This Download is NOT part of your LearningUkulele.com membership level.

Sign-up for Premium Site Access or Upgrade Your Plan your current access level to download this PDF or your can purchase a copy for download.

After purchasing a PDF , a download link > will be sent to you within 24hrs.

Contact LearningUkulele.com if there are any issues.

Each PDF file is a formatted, high resolution file that prints out great. You'll need a PDF Reader or application capable of viewing PDF files to view the PDF.

NOTE: Download the PDF file for the latest, complete, and most up-to-date version. As well as additional information not presented on-line.

Members and Active Students need to sign-in to download this lesson's PDF for the complete lesson.

Core `Ukulele Chords, Traditional and Contemporary Triads


A triad is a three note chord. In traditional music theory, there are four triad chord types: major, minor, diminished, and augmented. Contemporary triads include sus and add.

Additional Content
Available for Premium Site Access Plans Only

Sorry, can't give it ALL away!

This content requires a Premium / Gold Access Plan or enrolled in the Study with Curt - On-line or Private Lesson Program.

To view additional content for this page you'll need to either Sign In or Register or Upgrade to a Premium Site Access Plan.

Login or SignUp to View Content

On the ukulele, triads occur on adjacent and non-adjacent three string sets.

In music theory, there are four traditional triad chord types: major, minor, diminished, and augmented. And four contemporary triad chord types: sus2, sus4, add2, add9.

Sus?

In the traditional triads built in thirds, the sus, or suspension, always referred to the fourth's inherent nature to resolve down to the third of the triad. And, always did resolve to the third. In contemporary harmony, we have excepted that the suspension can be delayed or not happen at all.

With all that being said, there really is no such thing as a sus2 chord. As, traditional triad built harmony, there is no suspension between the second and the third in traditional harmony.

You already know triads if you know the basic open position chords such as C, F, G, Am, Dm, etc… If there's no 7 or 5 in the name, they're most likely triads, maybe with one of the notes doubled. An example would be typical open position C. C is C E G with the C doubled.

Sign-IN — it's FREE — to view, un-blur any additional content for this lesson.

Core `Ukulele Chords, Traditional and Contemporary Triads…

The Basic Open Position chords such as C, F, G, Am, Dm, etc… are triads or have a triad as their foundation.

Triads are the overwhelming the majority of chords we play.

Open Position: C

Open Position C

Using an open position C major chord as an example. The notes of the chord, from nose to toes are: G C E C. The C major chord is the notes C E G. This gives us the triad on strings 3 2 1 while doubling the C an octave higher on string one

Movable Form C

The movable A/B♭ for at fret (3) is C, the notes: C E G C. This version again has a double C — the same C note if using a high G tuning. However the the E, G notes in the middle string 3 and 2 give us a full triad on the 3, 2, 1 string set as well as the 4, 3, 2 string set.

Movable A/Bb
at fret (3): C

When using a high G, C Tuning, both triads are the same voicing as the C on string four is the same C on string one. With a Low G, C Tuning, the C one string one is one octave higher than the C on string four.

Triads can be used Harmonically as chords and Melodically as single notes. Triads are an excellent way to get started with creating melodic solos and improvising.

For a major scale, I have students memorize this sequence of the triad types in a major scale: major, minor, minor, major, major, minor, diminished. This sequence with knowing the notes of any major scale will get you the chords ( triads ) for that scale. For the C major scale, the chords are C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim. For Db major, the chords are Db, Ebm, Fm, Gb, Ab, Bbm, Cdim. This sequence works for any major scale or mode of a major scale. For D Dorian, the chords are: Dm Em F G Am Bdim C. Simply start on the second chord of the C major scale chord sequence.

Memorize this mantra…

maj , min , min , maj , maj , min , dim

With this mantra, the sequence of triads, You'll be able to discern the names of the triads in any of the 15 Major Scales .

Download the PDF file for the latest, complete, and most up-to-date version. As well as additional information not presented on-line.

End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!

Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.

Related Lessons

Related Lessons for Core `Ukulele Chords, Traditional and Contemporary Triads.

UL42-TRIf

Core `Ukulele Chords, Diminished and Augmented Triads, Strings 1 2 3 4

A triad is a three note chord. In traditional chord theory there are four triad chord types: major, minor, diminished and augmented. This lesson covers the augmented and diminished triads on strings 1 2 3 4.

UL42-TRIa

Core `Ukulele Chords, Major and Minor Triads, Strings 1 2 3

A triad is a three note chord. In traditional chord theory there are four triad chord types: major, minor, diminished and augmented. This lesson covers the major and minor triads on string 1 2 3.

UL42-TRIb

Core `Ukulele Chords, Diminished and Augmented Triads, Strings 1 2 3

A triad is a three note chord. In traditional chord theory there are four triad chord types: major, minor, diminished and augmented. This lesson covers the augmented and diminished triads on strings 1 2 3.

UL42-TRIc

Core `Ukulele Chords, Major and Minor Triads, Strings 2 3 4

A triad is a three note chord. In traditional chord theory there are four triad chord types: major, minor, diminished and augmented. This chart covers the major and minor triads on strings 2 3 4.

UL42-TRId

Core `Ukulele Chords, Diminished and Augmented Triads, Strings 2 3 4

A triad is a three note chord. In traditional chord theory there are four triad chord types: major, minor, diminished and augmented. This lesson covers the augmented and diminished triads on strings 2 3 4.

UL42-TRIe

Core `Ukulele Chords, Major and Minor Triads, Strings 1 2 3 4

A triad is a three note chord. In traditional chord theory there are four triad chord types: major, minor, diminished and augmented. This chart covers the major and minor triads on strings 1 2 3 4.

UL42-TRIsus

Core Ukulele Chords - Triads, Suspended Chords

A triad is a three note chord. In traditional chord theory there are four traditional triad chord types: major, minor, diminished and augmented. And four contemporary triad chord types: sus2, sus4, add2 and add9.

This series of lessons explores contemporary suspended or sus chords using triads cover is earlier lessons of this series.

UL42-TRIadd

Core Ukulele Chords - Triads, Add Chords

A triad is a three note chord. In traditional chord theory there are four traditional triad chord types: major, minor, diminished and augmented. And four contemporary triad chord types: sus2, sus4, add2 and add9. This series of lessons explores contemporary add chords using triads covered in earlier lessons of this series.

UL107

Introduction to Scales and Soloing on `Ukulele - Major Pentatonic

An "Introduction to Scales and Soloing on Ukulele" using the C Pentatonic Scale. Taking what you might already know and using it in different ways. Exploring the entire ukulele fingerboard have hours of fun just doodling around and exploring the ukulele's possibilities.

UL107triAug

Improvising Using Augmented Triads Plus One Note

Using Augmented Triad Arpeggios - Plus One for Creating Melodic Solos. With chord tones, the notes of a chord playing a predominant role in writing melodies and in improvised melodies. The triad plus one additional note is a great melodic device for creating melodies - either written or improvised.

UL107triDim

Improvising Using Diminished Triads Plus One Note

Using Diminished Triad Arpeggios - Plus One for Creating Melodic Solos. With chord tones, the notes of a chord playing a predominant role in writing melodies and in improvised melodies. The triad plus one additional note is a great melodic device for creating melodies - either written or improvised.

UL107triMaj

Improvising Using Major Triads Plus One Note

Using Major Triad Arpeggios - Plus One for Creating Melodic Solos. With chord tones, the notes of a chord playing a predominant role in writing melodies and in improvised melodies. The triad plus one additional note is a great melodic device for creating melodies - either written or improvised.

UL107triMin

Improvising Using Minor Triads Plus One Note

Using Minor Triad Arpeggios - Plus One for Creating Melodic Solos. With chord tones, the notes of a chord playing a predominant role in writing and in and improvised melodies. The triad plus one additional note is a great melodic device for creating melodies - either written or improvised.

Related Lesson Series

Related Lessons Series for Core `Ukulele Chords, Traditional and Contemporary Triads.

Understanding Intervals

Updated: 09 Jun 2023

An interval is the distance between two notes. An interval has a name and a type. Intervals can be played one note (melodic) or two notes (harmonic) at a time, ascending or descending.

Music Basics

Updated: 01 Jan 2003

Lessons in the General Music series. The principles of how music works.

Types of Chords Available on Ukulele

Updated: 08 Jun 2023

On the ukulele, there are various types of chords that you can explore, including open position chords, movable form chords, 4-part chords (commonly known as jazz chords), and free form chords.

Related Songs

Related Songs for Core `Ukulele Chords, Traditional and Contemporary Triads.

ANYSONG

Any Song Will Do

Updated: 07 Dec 2015

This is not really a song, but simply saying that for the purposes of a lot of the lessons and lesson series on this site ANY song will do for exploring the lesson's material and concepts presented in the lesson.

Related Books & Charts

Related Books for Core `Ukulele Chords, Traditional and Contemporary Triads.

QSUAT-C

QuickStart Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele, Triads C Tuning

Updated: 10 Jan 2020

QuickStart Scale Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele - Triads is a concise, well organized book ideal for any ukulele player beginning to explore the ukulele's full potential as a musical instrument. Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele - Triads keeps a sharp focus on essential arpeggios and their fingerings. All material is covered in every key.

A Selection of Books & Reference Charts that are recommended for creating a solid foundation with your chosen instrument and music in general.

Books

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard – C Tuning

Finally, learn the names of the notes of the fingerboard.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering

Learn the six fingering principles to navigating the ukulele fingerboard. Fingering is one of the most universal topics.

Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition.

Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer

Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position is a lot easier than you might think.

Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele

An organized collection of daily practice and reference material for the contemporary ukulele player for developing the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for single note playing.

Checkout the Books for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

Reference Charts

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G - G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G – G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Key Signatures — Circle of Fourths and Fifths – ANSI A & A4 sizes

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A) , A4

Checkout the Books for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

Site Access Plans for LearningUkulele.com

Forever Access - With Forever Premium Access, you get ALL the benefits of a Premium Access Subscription such as Unlimited 24/7 access to ALL lessons, downloads, songs, play-along jam tracks, videos, email access to Curt, resources, related assets, and ALL books by Curt as FREE downloads. Pretty much everything on the site, and NEVER worry about a subscription or surprise payment again. And jump the queue for responding to any questions.

If you're anything like me (Curt) and getting Subscription overloaded with everything and everybody on-line wanting money from you once a month — I'm with you. For like-minded individuals, this forever plan is a pay once, and you're done.

The price for Unlimited Forever access is right around the cost of a few months of private lessons. I can guarantee there is more than enough material on-line to keep you busy for a long, long time. And, you get all of my books for FREE . That alone is more than the cost of this plan.

Premium Access — This premium gives you Unlimited 24/7 access to ALL lessons, downloads, songs, play-along jam tracks, videos, email access to Curt, resources and related assets. As well as ALL books by Curt Sheller as FREE downloads.

Basic Access — A limited selection of basic lessons — ( currently over 140 ) and 100+ songs for ukulele as well as basic general music reference material — FREE

Simply Register/Signup. HOWEVER – I've been doing ukulele and LearningUkulele.com since 2003 and probably have given too much away already - as reflected in my income from the site in relationship to the time spent on the site. So help support this site and its continued development by signing up for one of the below Premium Access Plans or buy a few of my books. - Thanks, Curt

NOTE: Each higher access level includes ALL the benefits of the lower levels. Private Lessons include all the benefits of a Premium Access Plans as long as you remain a student on the schedule.

Just browsing over both books, they look fantastic! I'm a guitarist and uke player for over 25 years and was thinking about writing a ukulele book but you've already written what I think are the best, most comprehensive and thorough books I've ever seen for the instrument. I just might end up buying every book you've written and I'll be giving my highest recommendation for your books to my friends and students. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such great books!Peter Rhee

Aloha, Curt, All I can say is WOW! What you have accomplished is simply incredible! All the bestGlen Hirabayashi, The Aloha Boys

Folks, if you haven't stopped by Curt's site, do so right now! ..And get his books, they are fantastic. This guy knows his stuff and is able to pass it along too.Alan Johnson Proprietor, The 4th Peg

I can highly recommend Curt's Uke books — I have four of them and they are excellent.fatveg — Portland

Want to drop LearningUkulele.com & Learning Ukulele with Curt a nice comment . We always like to know how we are and you are doing. We'll post any comment, quotes throughout the site and you can help spread the word .

Thanks for visiting and checking out the site!

curtieAnim.gif rw.vg.gif

Original Curtie Animation from 1987 for my first web site on a Macintosh II, 37 years ago. Man, does time fly.

“Built for myself (Curt), and sharing with the `Ukulele community!”

LearningUkulele.com has one of the largest collections of lessons, songs, and TABS, Luthiers, ukulele builders, ukulele festival and club information, and, ukulele links on the web. Curt has been on the ®Internet since the early 1990's and This site just never stops growing!!!

Content is added and updated daily — so check back often. I really do need to get out more ;-)

Love LearningUkulele.com? • Show your support!
Support development via a monthly membership or a one-time forever membership!