First, a triad consists of the 1-3-5 notes of a scale. Now, let’s look at the D minor scale. What is the 1st, 3rd and 5th notes of the scale? 

D - F - A

Are those notes in the Dm7 chord?

The notes of the Dm7 chord are D - F - A - C. There are 4 notes in this chord.

As we can see,  the triad is in there (D-F-A). There is an extra note, the 7th (C).

This chord has a minor triad, because it is a minor chord. Dmaj7 would have a major triad, for example.

Also, realize that a triad can have the notes in any order (inversion), but it’s still a triad. 

Does this make sense?

Thanks Robert.

The notes in the Dm7 chord is : D  A  C  F

So the C is the 7th and it is out of the triad of the D minor scale. 

So minor scales have no 7ths in them?

Joe, the C is the 7th. It's a minor 7th, because the chord is a minor, and it's derived from the minor scale. 

A minor 7 chord has a minor 7th, and a major 7 chord has a major 7th.

Does it make sense?

I think I understand it...

The word triad mean something consisting of 3... Triads only have 3 notes... since a Dm7 technically has 4 notes [dfac]... it can't really be a triad. It is a chord, a 4 note chord, It is proper chord derived from the scale tones... but technically not a triad.

This sounds completely silly Chris....and yes........I realize has little to do with triads or these chords Roberto's trying to convey to us...........however...........if you grew up in the rather musical northern New Jersey area where I grew up in the late 70s-early 80s..........the most popular local band by far......was named "Triad". This was fine for a three member great talented band ........two phenomenal guitarists...........one female vocalist guitarist but certainly no slouch on guitar/violin......and a great bassist/vocalist.............But...........then they added a dynamite drummer...........then.......to really throw all this off balance.............they included a keyboardist .......so you can see why I too have trouble understanding all this due to early on distinct impressions of a favorite band some nearly 40 years ago!! Triads extend to five members???!!!  😎 

Jivin' Jim

Posted by: jncinn

This sounds completely silly Chris....and yes........I realize has little to do with triads or these chords Roberto's trying to convey to us...........however...........if you grew up in the rather musical northern New Jersey area where I grew up in the late 70s-early 80s..........the most popular local band by far......was named "Triad". This was fine for a three member great talented band ........two phenomenal guitarists...........one female vocalist guitarist but certainly no slouch on guitar/violin......and a great bassist/vocalist.............But...........then they added a dynamite drummer...........then.......to really throw all this off balance.............they included a keyboardist .......so you can see why I too have trouble understanding all this due to early on distinct impressions of a favorite band some nearly 40 years ago!! Triads extend to five members???!!!  😎 

Jivin' Jim

I know, that is what confused me too! 

Posted by: hillbilly_joe

Posted by: jncinn

This sounds completely silly Chris....and yes........I realize has little to do with triads or these chords Roberto's trying to convey to us...........however...........if you grew up in the rather musical northern New Jersey area where I grew up in the late 70s-early 80s..........the most popular local band by far......was named "Triad". This was fine for a three member great talented band ........two phenomenal guitarists...........one female vocalist guitarist but certainly no slouch on guitar/violin......and a great bassist/vocalist.............But...........then they added a dynamite drummer...........then.......to really throw all this off balance.............they included a keyboardist .......so you can see why I too have trouble understanding all this due to early on distinct impressions of a favorite band some nearly 40 years ago!! Triads extend to five members???!!!  😎 

Jivin' Jim

I know, that is what confused me too! 

So yer both from Joisey?

I guess that band may have been very politically incorrect and should have changed their name to the Quarts and then the Pents... however I think they are now the Duos!

Beside that I ain't entirely sure you have grown up yet Jivin'!  😉 Just kiddin' wid ya, of course!