thumb|A major triad has a major third on the bottom, a minor third on top, and a perfect fifth between the outer notes.

A major chord is a triad with a major third and a perfect fifth above the root. The major chord above C is spelled C–E–G.

Structure

The major chord timbre is sometimes described as brighter than its minor counterpart. The primary intervals in a major chord are the major third between the first and second notes, the perfect fifth between the first and third notes, and the minor third between the second and third notes. When the root of the chord is not in the bass, the chord is considered inverted.

In harmonic analysis and on lead sheets, a major chord is often indicated by the letter of its root. In integer notation, a major triad is {0,4,7}.

Just intonation

thumb|The just major triad is composed of three tones in whole number ratios 4:5:6.[[File:Just major triad on C.mid]]

In just intonation, a major chord is tuned to the frequency ratio 4:5:6. The scale allows major triads at I, III, IV, V, VI, and VI. In equal temperament, the fifth is two cents narrower than the just perfect fifth. The major third is 14 cents flat of the just value.

See also

  • Major and minor
  • Musical tuning
  • Minor chord
  • Otonality and utonality

References

  • Major triads explained on a virtual piano
  • Major chords explained on a virtual piano