Which triad type uses a major third above the root and a perfect fifth above the root?

• A. Minor Triad
• B. Diminished Triad
• C. Augmented Triad
• D. Major Triad

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is how a triad’s quality is defined by the intervals from the root note. A major triad is built with a major third above the root and a perfect fifth above the root. For example, a C major triad consists of C, E, and G: C to E is a major third, and C to G is a perfect fifth. This exact interval pattern—major third plus perfect fifth—is what defines a major triad.

Why the other types don’t fit: a minor triad has a minor third above the root (instead of a major third) and a perfect fifth, so it would be something like C, E♭, G. A diminished triad lowers the fifth as well, giving a diminished fifth (C, E♭, G♭). An augmented triad raises the fifth (C, E, G♯). So only the major triad has that specific combination of a major third and a perfect fifth.