Chords

Primary and Secondary Chords in Major Keys

The Primary Chords are chords I, IV and V and are major
(ie. those built on the 1st, 4th and 5th scale degree in a particular key).

The Secondary Chords are chords ii, iii and vi and are minor

You will need to know at least 1 to 7 in roman numerals:
I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII (upper case)
i, ii, iii, iv, v, vi, vii (lower case)


A triad is a three-note chord in a closed position with the root at the bottom.

Remember: a triad goes line, line, line or space, space, space.

Inversions

Root position: the root note is in the bass (ie. C is at the bottom of the chord)

First inversion: the third is in the bass (ie. E is at the bottom of the chord)

Second inversion: the fifth is in the bass (ie. G is at the bottom of the chord)

Third inversion: the seventh is in the bass (ie. B flat is at the bottom of the chord)

Remember: a chord’s “inversion” only refers to the bass note.