What does a triad consist of in music theory?

A triad in music theory is defined as a chord that consists of three specific notes. These notes are formed by stacking intervals of thirds on top of each other. The basic triad is made up of the root note, the third, and the fifth. For instance, in a C major triad, the notes would be C (root), E (third), and G (fifth). This structure is fundamental in Western music, as it serves as a building block for harmony.

Understanding the nature of a triad is crucial, as it lays the foundation for more complex chords and harmonic progressions. The other choices do not accurately describe a triad. A chord made of four notes refers to a seventh chord, an instrumental piece does not pertain to the structure of chords, and a rhythmic pattern describes a sequence of beats rather than the specific arrangement of notes in a chord. Therefore, the definition of a triad as a chord made up of three notes is central to music theory.