UPDATED
Apr 23, 2015
Using Triads on `Ukulele
Using triads for improvising, creating solos, and melodies.
PUBLISHED: Jan 2, 2008 UPDATED: Apr 23, 2015 • VIEWS: 1 • LESSON CODE: UL120 •
Instruments: ukulele Subjects: intermediate • advanced • chords • triads • improvisation
All 2 sample page(s) are viewable on-line.
To view the pages at a larger size you can resize the browser window smaller to a tablet or phone size and the pages will magically grow larger. If you are a registered member and have the correct permissions.
Each PDF file is a formatted high resolution file that prints out great. You'll need Adobe Reader or a PDF viewing application to view your PDF file.
Using Triads on `Ukulele
Triads can be used harmonically, as chords and melodically, as single notes.
Triads are a great way to get started with creating solos and improvising.
Triad - In music or music theory, a triad is a three-note chord (or, more generally, any set of three notes, pitches, or tones). Because the term originated during the "common practice" period in Western European art music (approximately from 1600 to 1900), it is most commonly associated with tertian diatonic chords having a tonal function. When such a chord is voiced in thirds, its members, ascending from lowest pitched tone to highest, are called: the Root, the Third (whose interval is a major third or minor third above the root) and the Fifth (whose interval is a major or minor third above the third, and a diminished, perfect, or augmented fifth above the root).
These lessons explore both. Using triads as chords like any other chord and using triads as a basis for creating melodies and improvising.
Additional Content Available for Premium Site Access Plans Only
This content requires a Premium / Gold Access Plan and 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 for Premium Site Access or upgrade your current access level.
Login or SignUp to View Complete Page
Other Triads
From the Major and Minor triads you can derive the Diminished, Augmented, add and sus triads.
For Diminished triads you lower the fifth of a minor triad one half step or one fret.
For Augmented triads you raise the fifth of a major triad one half step or one fret.
For add triads, as the name implies, you need to add a note. Any note can be added but the most typical is an add 2 or add 9. For an add2 triad you raise the root of a major or minor triad a whole step or two frets. Or, optionally lower the third of a major triad two frets or the thrid of a minor triad one fret.
For sus triads, the sus means suspension. Traditionally the sus referred to suspending the third of a chord by raising the third of a major chord two frets sor the third of a minor chord one fret.
For a sus 2 chord, a more contemporary chord you raise the root of a major or minor triad two frets. Optionally you can lower the third of a major triad two frets or the third of a minor chord three frets.
This is a lot to remember for the add and sus chords. So with getting to the actually notes or spelling of chords and really knowing the notes of the fingerboard. You are closer to getting a handle on these more contemporary chords.
QuickStart Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning
Major Arpeggio Fingerings from my book QuickStart Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning
I use a lot of these arpeggio fingerings in my solos and in these lessons examples. Learning triads, their arpeggios and their inversions can be a major breakthrough in ones playing, one any instrument.
Using Triads Melodically
Here is a sample recording I threw together quickly to demonstrate how triads can be used for creating a melody or solo.
The chord progression is a simple I IV I V in the key of G major. Chords are two measures each of G C G D using basic open position chords.
Example Using A Scale and Emphasizing the Notes of Triads
This solo was created using only the notes of the triads below.
Example Using Notes of Triads and One Non Chord Tone (*)
This solo was created using only the notes of the triads below and one additional note (shown as *).
Example Using Notes of Triads and One Non Chord Tone (*)
This solo was created using the NOTES of the G Major scale and emphasizing the notes of the chords (triads).
Download the lesson's PDF file for the latest, complete and most up-to-date version of the lesson. As well as additional information not presented on-line.
Members and Active Students need to sign-in
to download the premium lesson PDFs for the complete lesson.
Related Lessons
Related Lessons for Using Triads on `Ukulele at this time.
Related Books
Related Books for Using Triads on `Ukulele at this time.
Related Songs
Related Songs for Using Triads on `Ukulele at this time.
Related Lesson Series
Related Lessons Series for Using Triads on `Ukulele at this time.
Site Access Plans for LearningUkulele.com
Forever Access - With Forever Premium Access you get 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 as FREE downloads. Pretty much everything on the site and NEVER worry about a subscription or surprise payment again. And jump the queue for my responding to any questions.
Basic Access - A limited selection of basic lessons — ( currently over 140 ) and 100+ songs for ukulele as well as basic general music reference material — Completely 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 best — Glen 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
Thanks for visiting and checking out the site!
Original Curtie Animation from 1987 for my first web site on a Macintosh II.
33 years ago.
“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. I’ve been on the ®Internet since the early 1990's and This site just never stops growing!!!
Content is added and updated almost daily - so check back often.