Dyad (music)

In music, a dyad (less commonly, diad) is a set of two notes or pitches.^[1] The notes of a dyad can be played simultaneously or in succession. Notes played in succession form a melodic interval; notes played simultaneously form a harmonic interval.

All dyads within an octave on C. Play^ⓘ

Dyads can be classified by the interval between the notes.^[2] For example, the interval between C and E (four half steps) is a major third, which can imply a C major chord, made up of the notes C, E and G.^[3]

In a triadic context chords with omitted thirds may be considered "indeterminate" triads.^[4] Play^ⓘ

Melodic and harmonic intervals, respectively above and below. Play^ⓘ

See also

• Double stop
• Interval (music)
• Power chord
• Harmonic series (music)
• Counterpoint