Music Theory Basics: How to Build Chords (Triads) in Any Key

Once you know a major scale, you can build the chords that naturally belong to that key. This is the fastest way to understand chord progressions.

Step 1: Write the scale

Example in C major: C D E F G A B

Step 2: Stack every other note

Start on each scale note and stack 1–3–5.

The 7 triads in a major key

• I: major

• ii: minor

• iii: minor

• IV: major

• V: major

• vi: minor

• vii°: diminished

Try it

Pick a key, build the 7 chords, then play I–V–vi–IV. You’ll recognize it immediately.

Practice challenge

Build triads in 3 keys this week: one easy (C/G), one with sharps, one with flats.

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