First thing we must understand are the intervals that make up a Major Scale
R – W – W – H – W – W – W –H – R
For the scale of C this would be C D E F G A B C we can also number these notes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Two Whole Tones together are known as a major 3rd
A Whole tone and a Half one are known as a minor 3rd
These are the key interval that we need to know when playing a chord
General definition of a chord
A chord is the layering of several tones played simultaneously - usually built on superposed thirds. Chords are defined by their root note and their quality (major, minor, 7, etc) - and eventually by their inversion.
Triads
A triad is a chord made of three notes. It consists of a root and the third and fifth above it. The most common triads are:
Major - has a major third and a perfect fifth
Minor - has a minor third and a perfect fifth
Diminished - has a minor third and a diminished fifth
Augmented - has a major third and an augmented fifth