Roman Numeral Analysis: Triads
  • When analyzing music, each diatonic triad is identified by a Roman numeral.
  • The first diatonic triad of a scale uses the Roman numeral for one.
  • The second diatonic triad uses the Roman numeral for two.
  • This pattern continues.
  • In addition, the modern Roman numeral system uses different styles for each triad type.
  • Upper-case numerals represent major triads.
  • Lower-case numerals represent minor triads.
  • Upper-case numerals with a small plus sign represent augmented triads.
  • Lower-case numerals with a small circle represent diminished triads.
  • Let's apply Roman numerals to the C major scale.
  • Since the first triad is major, its numeral is upper-case.
  • The second triad is minor. Its numeral is lower-case.
  • The third triad's numeral is also lower-case.
  • The fourth triad's numeral is upper-case.
  • The fifth triad's numeral is also upper-case.
  • The sixth triad's numeral is lower-case.
  • The seventh triad is diminished. Its numeral is lower-case with a small circle.
  • The last triad is the same as the first.
  • Next, let's apply Roman numerals to the C natural minor scale.
  • Since the first triad is minor, its numeral is lower-case.
  • The second triad is diminished. Its numeral is lower-case with a small circle.
  • The third triad's numeral is upper-case.
  • The fourth triad's numeral is lower-case.
  • The fifth triad's numeral is also lower-case.
  • The sixth triad's numeral is upper-case.
  • The seventh triad's numeral is also upper-case.
  • Again, the last triad is the same as the first.
  • Next, let's apply Roman numerals to the C harmonic minor scale.
  • The third triad is now augmented. Its numeral is upper-case with a small plus sign.
  • The fifth triad is now major. Its numeral is upper-case.
  • The seventh triad is now diminished. Its numeral is lower-case with a small circle.
  • Next, let's apply Roman numerals to the C melodic minor scale.
  • The second triad is now minor. Its numeral is lower-case with no circle.
  • The fourth triad is now major. Its numeral is upper-case.
  • The sixth triad is now diminished. Its numeral is lower-case with a small circle.
  • The Roman numeral system can also indicate inversions.
  • First inversion is represented by a small 6 after the numeral. This is due to the root being a generic sixth above the bass note.
  • Second inversion is represented with both a small 6 and 4. This is due to the root and third being a generic sixth and fourth above the bass note.
  • Use this chart to reference the Roman numerals for each scale.
  • Use this chart to reference the Roman numerals for inversions.
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