11 The Augmented and Diminished Triad

The last two triads we will be working on are the augmented and diminished triads. While not as commonly used as the major and minor triads, both are important, foundational sounds found in many types of music.

The augmented triad can be compared to the major triad, as the only difference is on the top note. The augmented triad has a raised 5th when compared to major, which is what gives it a unique sound.

Try singing an augmented triad. How does it sound and compare to a major triad? Use the Record button below.

The diminished triad can be compared to the minor triad, as again it only has one note different, again the 5th (top note), but in this case it gets lowered by one semitone.

Try singing a diminished triad. How does it sound and compare to a minor triad? Use the Record button below.

The diminished and augmented triads can sometimes be confused with one another. This is because they both contain two of the same intervals stacked on top of each other. The distance between the bottom and middle note of an augmented triad is a major 3rd, and the distance between the middle and top note of an augmented triad is again a major 3rd. On a diminished triad, both the distance between the bottom and middle, and the middle and top are minor 3rds. This symmetry can make these two triads hard to distinguish from one another, which is why it is important to focus on humming/singing these triads melodically, especially focusing on singing the bottom and middle notes accurately.

Video 11.1 Triads. [Video transcript – See Appendix B 11.1]