What distinguishes extended chords from standard triads?

Extended chords are characterized by the inclusion of additional notes beyond the basic triad structure. A standard triad consists of three notes—typically the root, third, and fifth. In contrast, extended chords incorporate these triadic notes as well as additional tones, which can include the seventh, ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth degrees of the scale, adding complexity and richness to the harmonic texture.

This differentiation is significant in music composition and jazz, where extended chords provide more color and tension, allowing for greater emotional expression. Understanding this distinction is crucial for analyzing and performing jazz and other musical genres that utilize complex chord structures. The idea that extended chords might be employed only in slower pieces or exclude specific notes, such as seventh notes, does not align with their fundamental definition.