12 Triad Testing and Activities

Identifying triads can be difficult, as both major and minor triads have major and minor intervals as part of their makeup, which can “confuse” our ability to hear them correctly. To start, focus on the melodic expression of the triads (when they are played one note at a time). Can you hear a major or minor 3rd to start the triad? If you hear a major 3rd between the first and second notes being played, it’s a major triad. If you hear a minor 3rd between the first and second notes, it’s a minor triad.

Activity 1, Identify Major and Minor Triads (10 Questions)

Due to the symmetrical nature of augmented and diminished triads, they can be easily confused with one another. Again, focus on the melodic presentation of the triad to start. If you hear major third intervals, it is an augmented triad. If you hear minor third intervals, it is a diminished triad. 

Activity 2, Identify Augmented and Diminished Triads (10 Questions)

Now, take the skills and approaches used in the first two activities and use them on the following activities where you have the four triad qualities. 

Activity 3, Identify Major, Minor, Augmented, and Diminished Triads (10 Questions)