Demystifying Chords and Roman Numerals

Triad

A three-note chord constructed by stacking intervals of thirds (root, third, and fifth).

Major Triad

Formed by a major third plus a minor third between the root, third, and fifth.

Minor Triad

Constructed by a minor third plus a major third between the root, third, and fifth.

Diminished Triad

Formed by stacking minor thirds.

Augmented Triad

Constructed by stacking major thirds.

Chord Inversions

Determined by which chord factor occupies the lowest bass voice.

Root Position

The triad is in its original form with the root in the bass.

First Inversion

When the third is in the bass, labeled as 6.

Second Inversion

When the fifth is in the bass, labeled as 6/4.

Voice Leading

The smooth movement between chords facilitated by inversions.

Roman Numeral Analysis

A system showing the functional relationship of chords relative to a key center.

Uppercase Roman Numerals

Indicate major chords in Roman numeral analysis.

Lowercase Roman Numerals

Indicate minor or diminished chords in Roman numeral analysis.

Diatonic Scale Degrees

The scale degrees associated with a specific key center in music.

Harmonic Progressions

The sequence of chords used in a piece of music, which can be effectively mapped using Roman numerals.