Select a key, triad type, string set, and inversion to visualize triads on the fretboard. Root notes are highlighted in red, other triad tones in blue.
A triad is a three-note chord built from the root, 3rd, and 5th of a scale. The C Major triad uses the notes C, E, G. Triads are the fundamental building blocks of harmony and are essential for understanding chord construction.
Each triad can be played in three inversions: root position (root in the bass), 1st inversion (3rd in the bass), and 2nd inversion (5th in the bass). Learning all three inversions across the fretboard gives you the ability to play any triad shape anywhere on the neck.
Triads are played on three adjacent strings. There are four possible string sets on guitar: strings 1-2-3 (highest, brightest), 2-3-4, 3-4-5, and 4-5-6 (lowest, warmest). Each string set produces a different tonal character for the same triad.