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Guide to Module 15: Triad Inversions and Triads in a Key

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Overview

In this module, we will continue to explore triads by learning how chords function within a major key and how musicians label and organize them using Roman numerals. You will discover the predictable pattern of major, minor, and diminished triads that naturally occur in every major scale, and learn the traditional names for each scale degree. You will analyze and build common chord progressions using Roman numerals, helping you connect harmony to real music and preparing you to recognize harmonic patterns across many different songs and styles.

You will also learn about triad inversions, which occur when a note other than the root is placed in the bass. By studying root position, first inversion, and second inversion triads, you will begin to recognize how inversions change the sound and stability of a chord while still preserving its quality.

Objectives

By the end of this module you should be able to:

  • Identify chords in inversion
  • Compose a simple melody to a requested chord progression
  • Assign the correct Roman numeral to a chord in a given major key

Key Terms

Root Position
A triad in which the root of the chord is the lowest note (bass note).
First Inversion
A triad in which the third of the chord is the lowest note.
Second Inversion
A triad in which the fifth of the chord is the lowest note.
Tonic
The first scale degree and the chord built on the first scale degree; the musical “home” key center.
Supertonic
The second scale degree and the chord built on the second scale degree.
Mediant
The third scale degree and the chord built on the third scale degree; located midway between tonic and dominant.
Subdominant
The fourth scale degree and the chord built on the fourth scale degree.
Dominant
The fifth scale degree and the chord built on the fifth scale degree; strongly pulls toward tonic.
Submediant
The sixth scale degree and the chord built on the sixth scale degree.
Leading Tone
The seventh scale degree and the chord built on the seventh scale degree; strongly leads toward tonic.