Tonic Triads in Root Position
The three-note “home” chord built on the first note of a scale, in its basic root-position shape.
Explainer
A triad is a three-note chord built by stacking two 3rds on top of each other.
The tonic triad is built on the first note (the tonic) of the scale — the "home" chord.
In root position, the notes are stacked in order: the root (1st), the 3rd, and the 5th — for example, C-E-G in C major.
This is the chord that feels most "at rest" — many pieces begin and end on it.
Worked examples
Example 1
C major tonic triad
C, E and G, played together.
Example 2
G major tonic triad
G, B and D, played together.
Example 3
F major tonic triad
F, A and C, played together.