In this exercise you will be given a series of chords (cadence) to establish a tonal center. Then a chord would be played, and you will be asked to pick the roman analysis (degree) of the chord in the context of the key.

Tip! Every chord has its own sensation of tension/release. The 'I' chord feels most at rest, while the 'V' has tension - it "wants" to move.

Triads & Roman Numerals

Triadic chords are chords built from 3 notes using thirds.

For example, in the key of C major, we can form this chord:

C D E F G A B

Because it is built starting from the first degree (Tonic note) it is called the 'I' (one) chord. The 'I' chord is most "at rest", and holds no tension.

Cadence + 'I' chord

We can also build a triad from the 5th degree to form a 'V' (five) chord. Notice how this chord holds tension, and wants to resolve to the tonic.

Cadence + 'V' chord

Because the chord sensation is dependant on the key, we use Roman numerals to indicate chords numbers in an arbitrary key.

Note that we use lower-case to indicate the minor chords (ii, iii and vi), and ᵒ to indicate diminished chords (viiᵒ)