Beginning Chord Theory Flashcards
Simply put, a chord is any grouping of two or more notes sounded simultaneously. Chords have many different labels and names, stemming from what notes are being sounded together, to what the bottom note, or bass note is, as well as many other factors. Here we will cover basic chord theory shown in treble clef to gain an understanding of the many different types of chords there are.
What is the name of the first scale degree of the major scale?
Tonic
What is the name of the second scale degree of the major scale?
Supertonic
What is the name of the third scale degree of the major scale?
Mediant
What is the name of the fourth scale degree of the major scale?
Subdominant
What is the name of the fifth scale degree of the major scale?
Dominant
What is the name of the sixth scale degree of the major scale?
Submediant
What is the name of the seventh scale degree of the major scale?
Leading Tone
Using scale degrees, which chords built off of the major scale are major?
The major chords are built off of the I (tonic), IV (subdominant), and V (Dominant).
Using scale degrees, which chords built off of the major scale are minor?
The minor chords are built off of the ii (supertonic), iii (mediant), and the vi (submediant).
Using scale degrees, which chord built off of the major scale is diminished?
The diminished chord is build off of the vii (leading tone).
Which intervals make up a major chord?
Root- Major 3rd- minor 3rd
Which intervals make up a minor chord?
Root- minor 3rd- Major 3rd
Which intervals make up a major seventh chord?
Root- Major 3rd- minor 3rd- Major 3rd
Which intervals make up a minor seventh chord?
Root- minor 3rd- Major 3rd- minor 3rd
Which intervals make up a dominant seventh chord?
Root- Major 3rd- minor 3rd- minor 3rd
