How to (Easily) Play Triad Chords on Guitar

[@SuperRajeswar]

Bravo 👏 very nicely explained with practical application 👍

[@justinguitar]

Thanks a lot!

[@rb180bray]

@@justinguitar ¹10l

[@Livel490]

❤️

[@Livel490]

❤️

[@Livel490]

❤️

[@rudals1281]

Justin is the best guitar teacher on YT. Just straight to the point.

[@DavidLaFerney]

Just within the last few days I was saying “why oh why don’t they teach this to beginners right off?” Because it would make it easier to learn guitar? So - good work!

[@clawhammer704]

Exactly, money is involved to stretch lessons out.

[@mm-zn5hh]

This is just a small piece of a bigger picture...even you learn this, doesn't mean you will learn guitar easily and very fast...i mean come on men..

[@alanfaber1261]

Actually, no! A good teacher doesn’t stretch out things and milk lessons. Guitar is a lifelong pursuit, there is always more to learn. If your teacher stretches things out to keep you as a student, the teacher doesn’t know too much. Please get a new teacher.

[@justinguitar]

Strumming three strings only and moving laterally along the neck aiming for different frets is not a basic-no-experience skill. Playing the basic open major and minor chords allows more strings to be strummed and less lateral movement and sound great on their own. Triads are amazing but so too are many other aspects which don't get taught at the very outset. You can't put a whole story in to chapter 1. Cheers 😊 | close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide & Moderator [ www.justinguitar.com/ ] .

[@G_Demolished]

@@justinguitar Bingo. But I think that triads should be emphasized before pentatonics.

[@freddiecooke2123]

I have lost my vision recently and have found a lot of solace in your videos. They are very accessible as you explain everything verbally very distinctly. Thank you for your videos in this difficult time for me

[@justinguitar]

Hey Freddie. I'm sorry to hear about that but happy that you've found some comfort through music. The guitar is very powerful, and I'm glad my lessons helped you out. Good luck with your journey - wishing you all the best.

[@Deuce_Allan]

Wish you well Freddie

[@stevenburton7922]

Blessings to you, Freddie!

[@MrBritishGent]

As a beginner guitarist I love playing with triads like this occasionally to make me feel 'intermediate', before it's back to struggling with the F chord!

[@aldrinaldrin4618]

LOL

[@Touk1-u7i]

lol

[@ChowieJu]

I can easily do the F chord but my guitar hates me, High Action can Fit 3-4 Stacks of Coins and the neck is bent (broken truss rod). 💀 every time I do barre chords my wrist wants to sue me for abuse 😂.

[@duellingscarguevara]

Best tip I could give you (as a tutor), there are 3 notes, to make a chord (ie you don’t have to break your hand). Play an E chord, but where you would use your 1st finger, use the 2nd instead (make the same shape for E). Slide that up the neck (wherever), and use your 1st finger for the bass string. All downstrums, just play the bass strings. Start there.

[@grantmorgan4508]

I think this is the most easily understood and useful idea I've seen for actual guitar playing, in a long time. You've also got a great teaching style - very clear, well paced and friendly. Be proud of your contribution to the music world. I've given you a thumbs up. 10/10.

[@zippers2]

ditto

[@fionnmcnessa]

Agreed 💯% Thank you Justin

[@petarmarjanovic4607]

I never knew this existed, but now in five minutes I learned how to join any jamm I hear in seconds, thanks Justin, with you I learn things I didn't know existed and I get to practice new stuff when I don't know where to go next on my big journey, lots of love my man, your a legend

[@kevinh4042]

Man the timing for this couldn't be better, was just searching for info how to find on alternative voicings up and down the neck, and then this video pops up within the past hour. It's like he KNOWS.

[@fduffer]

Can f

[@Alpha_7227]

This is gold, as a bass player who just plays one string or one note at a time. Any more vids like this.

[@JT96708]

I really like the way you count out beats much more often than most other online teachers.

[@justinguitar]

:)

[@bryanhull5808]

I started playing guitar late in life I'm 55. Started playing 8 months ago and absolutely love learning new things! Love your videos Justine. Thanks you for everything!

[@czstar]

me too!

[@billyfowler9381]

WOW - mind blow. You've explained this so well. I'm a 35 year old just starting to learn and pick up theory and this has instantly got me going with Triads. SUBSCRIBED!

[@nicknackdaddyack]

I LOVE this! My 26 year old nephew is great at guitar….I’m 50 and still learning…picked it up about 3 years ago but work doesn’t allow tons of practice time. I can now have him over and we can actually make some music together! Thank you for explaining what other teachers just “show”! I have both electric and acoustic so it should be fun!

[@marggriffith6112]

Lol me too. In 5 mins he answered sooo many questions

[@VanHiti]

Wooooow!!!! What an eye opener!!! Thnx bud, this is mint!

[@trevorwalters9840]

You are the clearest, Most understandable, teacher of them all. And there are many.Thank you l enjoy all of your lessons simply because l am learning .

[@wjs569]

Haven't touched a guitar for several years and just picking it back up again to find Justin still here, still teaching. Kudos to you Justin

[@johngraydon506]

Justine you are No1 for many, you help thousands of players beginners upwards,

[@justinguitar]

Cheers 😊 | close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide & Moderator on JustinGuitar Forum [ www.justinguitar.com/ ]

[@MrHarley950]

i've listened to people try and explain triads 20 times before and it just sounded like a bunch of gibberish to me but you just gave me the grass roots edition and it finally makes sense now. thanks a bunch justin.

[@gabijager7570]

Your tipps and tricks are so helpful, I'm starting to improvise little solos that really sound good, because I've learnt so much out of your lessons, thank you so much, Justin

[@kevinmurphy9315]

I've been playing guitar for forty years, and the portion of the video showing playing triads over rhythym guitar finally caused my light bulbs to go off in my brain. The triads over rhythum is the mystical quality my music needed but I had lacked the knowledge to do. I had read about it, but never saw it in practical application until your video. This video is a game changer.

[@jadlteif8143]

IMO Justin has the best guitar tutorials for beginner and intermediate players. Thank you Justin, 7 months in my guitar journey!

[@lukesteverything627]

Hi, I'm 65, just approaching retirement near Oxford UK. Your help is fantastic as I start to learn guitar so I want you to know that I really appreciate all your help.

[@justinguitar]

Thank you Luke! Wishing you all the best.

[@downhill240]

Some years back I watched Justin explain the Root, 2nd and 3rd inversions on all six strings and I consider that the second biggest step I made in my journey! Now, watching this, I'm still learning! rhythm, strum patterns etc. from this video. Great teacher!!!

[@garettxanyn8076]

Justin. It's simple and so rewarding. Put in the time and these triads open up so much flavor. thank you. I am a fan.

[@mszabodc]

Thank you so much for this lesson, Justin. My mind is blown. I am an "advanced beginner", and have never really immersed myself in guitar theory, so this has opened up a whole new world on guitar for me. You are by far the best guitar teacher online.

[@GrumpyGrandpa71]

I used my looper for the very first time to try this. I bought the looper about 8 years ago and never got to grips. Today, I managed using the chord progression in this video. I then played the triads on my clean electric guitar over the top. Thanks for the inspiration and explanation of why to use triads!

[@howardtyler7]

Blew my mind! You’ve made this incredibly easy and opened-up so much scope. Fabulous teaching Justin!!

[@justinguitar]

Glad you liked it! Cheers 😊 | close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide [ www.justinguitar.com/ ] & Moderator on JustinGuitar Forum

[@rodneyjones3680]

Thanks Justin for showing me a way to fit into a group of people jamming where everyone trying to play the melody-I used simple triads that you showed me on your videos with syncopated rhythms to create my own space.

[@roymccandlish9720]

Been watching you for years and can’t help admiring your commitment. It has to be a lot of work. Good on ya Justin 👍

[@SkipYearSix]

I recommend Justin to so many people. Incredible advice and so well delivered.

[@GeeDeeBird]

So nice to see you updating your triad content Justin. I've watched a few of your early videos on the topic and - like the rest of us - you've come so far since then. The improved confidence and ease of delivery is a revelation. It's clear you have gone from being a (very good) KZbin guitar teacher to becoming a master teacher, full stop. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@terryb5783]

What an eye opener!!! Been trying to learn how to use triads… you’ve made so much sense!!!

[@MarkKrug]

Oh my gosh! Wow! That totally made so much sense and I felt freed up doing this instead of the barre chord. Awesome 👏

[@justinguitar]

Glad it helped! Cheers 😊 | close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide [ www.justinguitar.com/ ] & Moderator on JustinGuitar Forum

[@mokshathrumusic3277]

Thank you Justin . Came across a chart from Etsy for Major, Minor, Diminished and Augmented Triads. Should be super helpful.

[@justinguitar]

Meanwhile, the JustinGuitar Chord Library can help too: www.justinguitar.com/chords | LievenDV | JustinGuitar Approved Teacher, Assistant and Community Admin

[@justinsandercoe410]

And you are unlikely to use the augmented and diminished much to be honest, at least in pop and rock!

[@corc01]

Triads are fine, but you showed how they can be applied excellently Justin.

[@anthonychapman5552]

Been playing for 20 years and never come across. Fantastic!

[@yashkaushik16]

Sir, your lessons are freaking awesome. Once I become a guitarist, I will Surely donate

[@garyhanley3477]

I have to say, that no one explains theory as good as you. I always come away from your tutorials with a much better practical understanding. The Justin guitar app was so helpful in my first year and now I'm enjoying these short lessons. Thanks from a fellow Aussie.

[@jennycraigadventures3314]

Thanks Justin! I’d heard of triads, but figured it was more complicated and over my head. We’re gonna mess around with this for sure!

[@neildobbs7278]

Ive found most things in music theory are made more complicated than they actually are. Once u realise that mostly everything can be derived from a single major scale, and slight deviations of that scale, you've covered most things there are to know. Its then a case of memorising it and mastering it musically

[@justinguitar]

Glad you're finding it useful. Cheers 😊 | close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide [ www.justinguitar.com/ ] & Moderator on JustinGuitar Forum

[@justinguitar]

Yes, the major scale holds things together. Cheers 😊 | close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide [ www.justinguitar.com/ ] & Moderator on JustinGuitar Forum

[@afalzon21]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen somebody take such a basic guitar concept, marry it with another basic guitar concept and make some thing magical like this. I can’t wait to get started with your website.

[@jackmartin2184]

I so appreciate your patient, slow, easy to understand teaching approach Justin. It makes me believe that I really can learn to play cool stuff! Thanks so much Cheers, Jack Martin

[@georgealty9009]

Great lesson Justin. Getting back into it after 5 months off with right sided shingles - can't hold the darn thing, but just 5 mins a day to get me going and this will make it fresh.

[@jeroen9637]

Wow, thank you so much for posting this. I’ve been playing with it for just half an hour and I noticed it is also a fantastic way to memorize the root positions on the E strings!

[@danluther1741]

So few lessons on youtube have little to no practical applications for actual songwriting. THIS lesson, had about 1000 of them! Excellent & thank you!!

[@siddharthmanumusic]

Thank you Justin! I keep learning new tricks from you and my guitar playing has improved to a whole new degree during the pandemic. I have also donated to you once and would love to do it again. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and skills with us!

[@gergemall]

Thx Justin. I’m an old rocker and just now learning scales and such. I’m self taught and play extremely well but I never really did focus on these things. Never too late to,learn . Appreciate your videos.❤

[@kenfrank3782]

I’ve seen your ads all the time but never wanted to look into your course …. But -- This video was excellent and I really enjoyed … especially since I just started working with triads

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

Thank you, Justin, for your great lessons! You're a goldmine of knowledge and information, and we're lucky to have you sharing your wealth with us.You're my favorite guitar instructor, hands down!

[@underzerogravity8184]

You made a basic understanding of triads so easy to grasp

[@aslamazad9066]

Second Comment !!! What an achievement. Please make a lesson on walking , filler, bridging etc which are used impromptu to adjust uneven rhythm and adding spice.

[@justinguitar]

More Intermediate and Advanced lessons coming soon - stay tuned!!!

[@wbjxfkwsklejfde34d]

I found this looking for help as we are doing triads in grade 3 on justin's course. I'm finding fretting these pretty hard, but am sticking with it, and after watching this, i might get a looper thingy.

[@mesbla]

Great approach Justin. Thanks SO much for sharing all your guitar knowledge, and congratulations on so many excellent years of teaching us all. ✌🏾

[@adegoord3243]

Thank you. Brilliant in its simplicity.

[@khimaros]

Bought a loop pedal after watching this lesson, only had an hour to practice so far but it’s so much fun!I can see this helping massively. Wonderful lesson as always, thanks Justin 👍😎👏

[@justinguitar]

It takes some takes before you get the hang of it but you quickly become your own jam buddy! Rock on! This lesson might inspire you a bith more? www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons/how-to-use-a-looper-pedal-fx-402 | LievenDV | JustinGuitar Official Assistant

[@stevescuba1978]

Old thread, but my two cents... I got a digitech trio+, it is a looper with a generated bass and drum accompanying. It learns my chord progressions and jams along in many styles. It is always on time and never has an angry wife.

[@ozozerene]

Fantastic, and so simple. Think I might find it a little more challenging with other triad shapes but as long as the principal is established with the familiar 'e' shape then the rest can be found in practice. Thank you for such a clearly explained lesson...thumbs up!

[@nixternal]

OK, light bulb moment! So, through your theory course I've learned all the triad shapes as inversion grips. I haven't gotten to CAGED just yet, but have already figured out how that is in relation to chord shapes. However, I never put it together with triads. So, I have my theory print out with the inversion grips. If I'm not mistaken, first 3 strings, you have E, D, and A shaped triads only? So your root grip is an A shape, your 1st inversion is the E shape and your 2nd inversion is the D shape. Oh what an aha moment! That makes remembering my darn grips on all strings so much easier! EDIT: Whoa, actually the D shape I mentioned is also C shape...OK, OK, OK!!!! Oh this is awesome!

[@patrickoflynn5414]

That is caged brother. Wat u doing with the triads and the intervals up the neck is caged.

[@EdwardsLagamon]

i 've learned so much from you.....such a knowledgeable guitar teacher i ever encounter .

[@andrewharders8978]

Can't wait to use this on "Brown Eyed Girl"...cheers Justin you're the best!

[@justinguitar]

Have fun, mate!

[@skiresort133]

Have been playing for such a long time and never realized until now, the very simple minor triad shape explained here. Magical. Thank you sir

[@dereklong801]

"You generally don't strum triads." Laughs in Link Wray.

[@justinguitar]

Then again, Link Wray isn't your average bear! ;) | LievenDV | JustinGuitar Official Assistant

[@emilymanning2606]

I bought a guitar 4 weeks ago. Love the encouraging videos. I’m in the process of playing without pain. It’s coming. Then I will sign up for your online course. Thank you for helping me make a start!

[@macanoodough]

I was always told never to mess with Triads. Any gangs, really. Asian or otherwise...

[@dashriprock2916]

Great lesson. It helps me with my open chord strumming, a little arpeggio work, and fretboard memorization. It's difficult for me to not mute the B string on the major triad. I need more practice.

[@chafester4886]

Justin, for you to give FREE lessons is a true blessing. May God continue to bless you a hundredfold for what you are doing. KEEP GOING!

[@muckaxe]

I think this is a good approach for beginners. So many other KZbin guitar teachers are teaching all of the different triad shapes and inversions all at once, which is overwhelming. It needs to be taken one step at a time.

[@rootsbootsmusiccamp3875]

I love your instruction. Thanks Justin! I share your videos with our camp students.

[@kromedge]

That’s a far better explanation of triads than I previously had. I learned about triads when I decided I wanted learn The Ballad of Jayne by LA Guns and I’ve been trying them on various things ever since lol.

[@michealjohnmusole5290]

You have opened up my whole guitar world I was stuck with the bar chords and open chords . Thank you so much may God bless you

[@justinguitar]

You're very welcome! 😊 | close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide [ www.justinguitar.com/ ] & Moderator on JustinGuitar Forum

[@tonymartino7892]

Thank you Justin. You make things comfortable and fun. Appreciate you.

[@user-ft1li7qs8z]

Thanks so much Justin !! I'm 66 and living here in So. Cal. and just picked up on your Maj/Minor triad switch...so easy to understand your approach. Thank you brother :-)

[@justinguitar]

Great to hear! Cheers 😊 | Richard_close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide & Approved Teacher www.justinguitar.com

[@dannyrogers1092]

Thank you Sir your clarity and simplicity is what is outstanding. Keep up the great teachings.

[@theholypope]

So many years. I have been there from the beginning on KZbin. Much love

[@riotgamerz1605]

This man is absolutely phenomenal. Mind you I’m an intermediate and I still go to Justin to strengthen my foundations.

[@DJ-pp9yg]

Today I said I want to learn Triad’s. KZbin had plenty of complicated video’s but yours was perfect. Thank you!!

[@KyleCanessa]

Thank you! I needed this! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@TheYjmfan]

This is so useful to take what you play into a different feel thanks.

[@michaelmorbid704]

You are one the best guitar teachers on KZbin I've seen. You actually explain everything in detail and in a way people can actually learn. I salute you and I have officially subscribed.

[@herrunsinn774]

Justin has to be just about the nicest guy doing videos on all of youTube. He doesn't seem to have a bit of an ego problem like all too many presenters. Thank you, Justin for the many years of contributions you have made. ... I look forward to many more years to come.

[@a413k2]

Started the Beginner Grade 1 Course some weeks ago and couldn't be happier with the methodical approach and the great selection of songs! Justin you are such an awesome teacher. Thanks for putting all this knowledge online and for free.

[@justinguitar]

Happy to help!! Welcome to the course and have fun - hope you stick around!

[@williamdevlin366]

Good simple stuff. Thank you! I’m an old Barre chord rhythm guy & I needed to watch & learn. Almost too simple but easy on a left hand with arthritis. Moving from C to a full F chord doesn’t tickle sometimes. I will incorporate them whenever I can. You’re right: “Practice is key.”

[@billchatterton6920]

I love Justin guitar so much. I've been watching Justin for 5 years since I started playing. Thank you so much for teaching all of us!

[@justinguitar]

Thanks Bill. Are you registered on the website? www.justinguitar.com/ Cheers 😊 | close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide & Moderator on JustinGuitar Forum

[@paulbates2763]

One word thank you for all your skills brill bless u Justin Paul b may you keep going as long as

[@neilmartin7564]

old video yes But after 30 years of chords and vocals ive learnt something so cool in 12 and a half minutes,,,Im smiling like a kid with a new toy,,,cheers mate

[@davidnicholsoncole3961]

They are wonderfully well explained and enabling us to make a big jump forward and have less anxiety and effort to produce a chord

[@johnmacmillan627]

Without doubt the best guitar teacher on the internet or elsewhere. Thx Justin

[@justinguitar]

Thanks, John!

[@WilsonCamilet]

oh wow, this is such a great tutorial! thank you!

[@batfreak6897]

Thank you, this is exactly what i needed

[@dorrito]

Fantastic lesson. Ive seen so many triad lessons, but this one is the most simple and clean. Finally grasped it. Thank you!

[@54highlander]

Great video thanks been playing over 50yrs and still learning . Awesome

[@justinguitar]

Excellent attitude! You might find some bits of knowledge for you to perfect at this handy overview page: www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons | LievenDV | JustinGuitar Official Assistant

[@jeffreylimoge9332]

Best easily explained video I have seen in a long time. Thanks!

[@markmaslinski4771]

Thanks brother…. I love your lessons and style. I have gained a lot of good knowledge from your videos. Much appreciated

[@MocapLatte]

I watched many triad lessons, and for someone that starts with triads that is the best ! thanks

[@Coolcatgrooves]

Man, you explain things so perfectly. It is not overwhelming, after watching this video a lightbulb moment went off. You are so right about being able to have a little fun with these triads.Thank you.

[@justinguitar]

Thank you Steven! :) Happy trails. Cheers.

[@Coolcatgrooves]

@@justinguitar How do I find the next lesson with this series? Also if my long-term goal is to get close to playing in the style of Wes, can you direct me to one of your courses that will lead me there? Thanks,

[@michaelzimmer1115]

I was given those to learn a year ago or more, plus several more. I found it required a lot of work to see the connection between the bigger bar chords and the treble strings triads. I learned them for all of the CAGED shapes, but I like your approach of learning just the E shape first. I have now tried to learn the shapes for strings 2,3 and 4. Again, it took some effort to see how they were part of bigger bar chord shapes. I knew it all along, but had to work to actually see the connection. Again, maybe I was trying to boil the ocean, and should have worked on one bar shape at a time. This is a better explanation than many I have seen on KZbin. I liked that you showed simpler approaches to using them. Many of the videos branch off into very complex improvisations, not suitable for people just wrestling with learning the shapes. I did have an epiphany the other day when I saw a video that linked them to inversions, only three inversions, for each chord type. Should have been obvious, but I needed it pointed out. With CAGED, I had 5 shapes for a chord type, but there were a couple which did not work on the top 3 strings, and also, some were really just duplicates from the perspecive of triads. e.g. C and D are identical. One thing I find is that I really like to have a good bass, so prefer the fuller chords. Will have to learn when and how to use the smaller chords. I pattern pick and finger pick a lot, so have to see how that works with the small triads. I know it can be done of course, but it is a very different style of playing.

[@justinguitar]

You may enjoy the triads session of the Vintage Club ... resources and discussion here: www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons/vintage-club-6-cla-014 Cheers 😊 | Richard_close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide & Approved Teacher

[@tobywilliams4614]

Great explanation! Thanks, Justin!

[@MrOsmanaujiram]

Thank you for your honest explanation. I didn’t know that I already knew them! I watched other videos and they confused me! Thank you!!

[@maatras2125]

This is very helpful . Your simple technique of playing these triad sure boost my confidence.

[@musicauthority7828]

I have watched your videos you for quite some time now. and have your app on my phone, you are correct and it's something I've known for a long time, that it's a huge benefit to have someone to jam with. those triads work great for making pretty melodies.

[@boardgamesandwhiskyuk1646]

Hi Justin. Just starting learning triads. Great lesson here. When I try this, my first finger won’t stay pointing upwards. It tends to go horizontal. If I really try and keep my first finger straight up, it catches the string below. 😅 keep up the fantastic work 👍🎸

[@davestake44]

Just wanted to say hi and glad your still teaching great things on the tube ,trying to get back into my guitars, had thumb surgery and having to start over again, I had purchased beginner and intermediate dvd lessons ,learned so much from them . Thanks

[@a-guitar2734]

I was kind of stuck with what to practice next. This opened a new avenue thanks again Justin

[@brad_neal]

Very practical explanation! Well done!