Triads and Inversions Explorer

Selection: C Major, Root Position

Formula: Root: C, Third: Major Third (E), Fifth: Perfect Fifth (G)

Notes: C4, E4, G4

Triads and Inversions Explorer - Help Guide

Introduction

This interactive tool helps you visualize and hear musical triads in different inversions. Triads are three-note chords consisting of a root, third, and fifth.

Understanding the Keyboard

The piano keyboard displays notes from octave 3 to 6. Here's how to read it:

White Keys

C
Natural notes (C, D, E, F, G, A, B)

Black Keys

C#
Sharps/Flats (C#/Db, D#/Eb, etc.)

Highlighted Keys

E
Current triad notes

Keyboard Layout

The keyboard follows the standard piano layout:

  • White keys represent natural notes (A, B, C, D, E, F, G)
  • Black keys represent sharps (#) or flats (b)
  • Each octave contains 12 notes (7 white, 5 black)
  • The pattern repeats every octave (8 notes, hence "octave")

Playing Notes

  • Click/Tap any key to play its note
  • Keys will depress visually when played

Controls Explained

Root Note Selector

Choose the foundational note of your triad (C through B).

Triad Type

  • Major: Happy, bright sound (Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th)
  • Minor: Sad, mellow sound (Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th)
  • Diminished: Tense, unstable sound (Root + Minor 3rd + Diminished 5th)
  • Augmented: Mysterious, dreamy sound (Root + Major 3rd + Augmented 5th)

Inversions

  • Root Position: Root note is the lowest (e.g., C-E-G)
  • First Inversion: Third is the lowest (e.g., E-G-C)
  • Second Inversion: Fifth is the lowest (e.g., G-C-E)

Waveform Selector

Change the sound character:

  • Sine: Pure, smooth tone
  • Square: Hollow, woody sound
  • Sawtooth: Bright, buzzy sound
  • Triangle: Mellow, flute-like sound

Octave Selector

Choose which octave to build your triad from (3-5). Higher octaves sound brighter.

Action Buttons

Play Chord

Plays all notes of the current triad simultaneously.

Play Arpeggio

Plays the triad notes one after another in sequence.

Random Chord

Generates a random triad combination.

Mute/Unmute

Toggles all sound output on/off.

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Space: Play current chord
  • R: Generate random chord

Information Display

The info panel shows:

  • Current chord selection
  • Interval formula (explaining the triad construction)
  • Specific note names with octaves
  • Inversion information (when applicable)
  • Standard chord symbol notation
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