When more than three notes are sounded together, but the number of pitch names in the set is only three (arranged from alternate steps of the scale), a(n) **triad** is produced.
A triad is a chord that consists of three notes played simultaneously. It is constructed by taking every other note from a scale. For example, in the C major scale, the notes C, E, and G form a triad. These three notes are the first, third, and fifth notes of the scale, respectively. Triads are the foundation of many chords and are commonly used in music theory and composition.