Three whites
C · F · GRoot, third and fifth all land on white keys. The hand sits flat.
e.g. C major = C E G
All twelve roots
Nine of the twelve major triads are the same gesture moved around the keyboard. Learn the four groups instead of twelve chords. Tap a diagram to hear it.
White black white
D · E · AOnly the middle finger lifts onto a black key.
e.g. D major = D F# A
Black white black
C# · D# · G#The outer fingers ride the black keys, the thumb-side note stays down.
e.g. C# major = C# F G#
The three odd ones
F# · A# · BNo shared shape. These are the three worth drilling on their own.
e.g. F# major = F# A# C#