Using Triads to Help Learn the Fretboard

What is a Triad? - A "triad" is a three note chord which, on the guitar, is played by striking three strings - usually strings 1-2-3 or strings 2-3-4. The most common triad is a "major" triad consisting of the 1, 3 and 5 notes of the major scale.

So, for example a C Major triad contains the notes C-E-G. A G Major triad contains the notes G-B-D. A D Major triad contains the notes D-F#-A.

Triads on Strings 1-2-3 (E-B-G)

Our first example is C Major. Here we show how a C Major triad can be played on strings 1-2-3 in different places on the neck using different chord shapes. In each case the triad contains the notes C-E-G.

Using what we'll call the "C shape" it would be G0-B1-E0.

Using the "A shape" it would be E3-B5-G5.

Using the "F shape" it would be E8-B8-G9.

We could also play it even further up the neck using a "D shape" at G12-B13-E12. That is essentially the same as the first (C shape) but just an octave higher. The D shape is used further up the neck.

So, for example a C Major triad contains the notes C-E-G.

Root Notes Help us Move Around

The Root Note - Notice that the root note for each of these shapes is on a different string. In our example the root note is "C" and for the different shapes shown here the root is located on the strings as follows:
F Shape - root is on the E string
A Shape - root is on the G string
D Shape - root is on the B string

Now let's look at how the 1-4-5 Chord theory applies to the use of triads.

Strings 1-2-3 (1st position) - Keys - C - G - D - E - A

What Note is This?

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