MT1

Major and Minor Triads

• Triad Construction

  • Major and minor triads are formed by stacking thirds within the boundary interval of a perfect fifth.

  • If the bottom third is a major third, the triad is major (ex: C-E-G).

  • If the bottom third is a minor third, the triad is minor (ex: A-C-E).

Diminished and Augmented Triads

• Diminished Triads

  • Example: C diminished triad uses a diminished fifth as the boundary interval, dividing it into two minor thirds (C-Eb-Gb).

• Augmented Triads

  • Augmented triads involve an augmented fifth, which is divided into two major thirds (C-E-G#).

Perfect Fifth Interval

• The perfect fifth interval consists of 7.5 steps. Divided in integer steps, it yields a major third and a minor third. This defines the characteristics of major (with a major third on the bottom) and minor triads (with a minor third on the bottom).

Triadic Inversion

• Root Position: The root of the triad is the lowest note.

• First Inversion: The first inversion places the third of the triad as the lowest sounding note (ex: C in E-G-C).

• Second Inversion: The second inversion has the fifth as the lowest note (ex: C in G-C-E).

Scale Degree Names in C Major

• Scale Degrees :

  • 1 - Tonic (Do)

  • 2 - Supertonic (Re)

  • 3 - Mediant (Mi)

  • 4 - Subdominant (Fa)

  • 5 - Dominant (Sol)

  • 6 - Submediant (La)

  • 7 - Leading Tone (Ti)

Role of Rameau in Music Theory

• Jean Philippe Rameau:

  • Important French theorist who articulated theories on harmony.

  • Coined terms like dominant and subdominant related through intervals above and below the tonic.

Tonic, Dominant, Subdominant Relationships

• Tonic serves as the central pivot.

• Dominant is a fifth above tonic, while subdominant is a fifth below tonic.

• The balance creates a seesaw dynamic around the tonic.

Median and Submediant

• Median: The third above tonic.

• Submediant: The third below tonic; often referred to as a dividing tone between tonic and subdominant.

Supertonic and Leading Tone Concept

• Supertonic: Step above tonic.

• Leading Tone: Step below tonic; its resolution is crucial when identifying tonic in a melody.

Scale Degree Functions in Minor

• Differences in Scales:

  • In Harmonic Minor: 7th degree is raised to become the leading tone.

  • In Natural Minor: 7th degree is lower (subtonic).

Major vs. Minor Key Functions

• Major Key Triads:

  • I (major), IV (major), V (major)

  • ii (minor), iii (minor), vi (minor), vii° (diminished)

• Minor Key Triads:

  • i (minor), ii° (diminished), III (major), IV (minor), V (major or minor), VI (major), VII° (diminished)

Roman Numeral Analysis

• Understanding Triads: Take every other scale note to spell triads. Example for C Major: C, E, G.

• Roman Numerals in Chords: Indicate root scale degree and quality (capital for major, lowercase for minor).

Chord Variants

• Examples include:

  • Suspended Chords (sus2/sus4): Provide tension that resolves.

  • Add Chords: C6, Cadd9.

  • Slash Chords: Indicating bass notes (C/E).

Application to Writing Music

• Use knowledge of triads, scale degrees, and chord variations creatively in songwriting.

• Exploration of alternative voicings and harmonics enhances musical expression.