All Flashcards
What is a chord?
Three or more pitches played simultaneously.
What is an arpeggio?
The notes of a chord played one after another.
What is a triad?
A three-note chord formed by stacking two thirds.
What is a seventh chord?
A four-note chord formed by stacking three thirds.
Define a major triad.
Root, major third, perfect fifth.
Define a minor triad.
Root, minor third, perfect fifth.
Define a diminished triad.
Root, minor third, diminished fifth.
Define an augmented triad.
Root, major third, augmented fifth.
What is root position?
A chord where the root is in the bass.
What is first inversion?
A chord where the third is in the bass.
What is second inversion?
A chord where the fifth is in the bass.
Describe the sound of a major triad.
Bright, happy.
Describe the sound of a minor triad.
Mellow, sad.
Describe the sound of a diminished triad.
Tense, dissonant.
Describe the sound of an augmented triad.
Unstable, unsettling.
What is the roman numeral for a major triad built on the tonic in a major key?
I
What is the roman numeral for a major triad built on the dominant in a major key?
V
What is the roman numeral for a minor triad built on the supertonic in a major key?
ii
What is the roman numeral for a minor triad built on the submediant in a major key?
vi
What is the roman numeral for a diminished triad built on the leading tone in a major key?
vii°
What is the typical function of a V-I progression?
Dominant to Tonic - creates a strong cadence
What is the function of a IV chord in a major key?
Subdominant - provides harmonic support and leads to V or I
What is the function of a vi chord in a major key?
Submediant - often used as a substitute for the tonic or to prolong the dominant
In C Major, what is the function of a G7 chord?
Dominant - creates strong tension and pulls towards C
In a minor key, what is the function of a diminished triad on the leading tone?
Predominant - creates tension and leads to the tonic