Chords

Chord: A set of notes, usually three or four, played simultaniously--usually containing a root, and other tones which have a tonal relationship to that root.

The smallest type of chord, consisting of 3 notes, is also called a triad. A triad usually consists of the root, 3rd and 5th tones of the scale. Any of the 3 notes can be the lowest note of the chord. Each form of the chord is called an inversion. The root position has the root as the bass, or bottom note, of the chord, first inversion has the third as the bass and second inversion has the fifth as the bass.

The major triad consists of the root, 3rd and 5th of a major scale.
Click here for chord charts for the major triads.