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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.