Unit 7: Chords and Harmony

Question 1

major and minor triads

Answer 1

a triad is a set of three notes separated by thirds; triads are named by their root

Question 2

root

Answer 2

bottom note of a triad

Question 3

third

Answer 3

middle note of a triad

Question 4

fifth

Answer 4

top note of a triad

Question 5

primary triads

Answer 5

tonic, subdominant, and dominant; triads built on 1,4, and 5 of major keys consist of a major third and perfect fifth above the root; these triads are major in quality

Question 6

tonic triad

Answer 6

triads built on 1 of harmonic minor scales consist of a minor third and perfect fifth; minor in quality

Question 7

sudominant triad

Answer 7

triads built on 4 consist of minor third and perfect fifth; minor in quality

Question 8

dominant triad

Answer 8

triads built on 5 of harmonic minor scales consist of major third and perfect fifth; major in quality because the raised seventh in the harmonic form of the minor scale

when writing dominant triads in minor keys it is necessary to use an accidental for the leading tone; the leading tone is the third of the triad

Question 9

functional chord symbols

Answer 9

Roman numerals to show the scale degree on which a triad is built and the quality (major or minor) of the triad

• uppercase Roman numerals are used to symbolize major triads
• lowercase Roman numerals are used to symbolize minor triads
• functional chord symbols are written below the staff

Question 10

root/quality chord symbols

Answer 10

another way of symbolizing chords

• the capital letter of the root of the triad is used to symbolize major triads
• the capital letter followed by “m” is used to symbolize minor triads
• root/quality chord symbols are written above the staff