Building Triads

Building Triads Building Triads by Counting Half Steps

Major = Root position + 4 half steps + 3 half steps (7 half steps above root)

Minor = Root position + 3 half steps + 4 half steps (7 half steps above root)
Augmented = Root position + 4 half steps + 4 half steps (8 half steps above root) 
Diminished = Root position + 3 half steps + 3 half-steps (6 half steps above root)

Building Triads with Major Scale Degrees

Major = 1, 3, 5
Minor = 1, flat 3, 5
Augmented = 1, 3, sharp 5
Diminished = 1, flat 3, flat 5