MusicianCV · TRChord degrees in Roman numerals
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Degrees and function
Roman numerals locate chord roots relative to a tonic. Many analytical systems use uppercase for major triads, lowercase for minor and a small circle for diminished quality. State the convention because not every notation system is identical.
In C major, I–vi–IV–V means C–Am–F–G. The same degree pattern transfers to other keys. These labels do not by themselves describe every voicing or bass inversion; they provide a compact way to compare harmonic movement.
Example
In G major, I–vi–IV–V = G–Em–C–D.
Chord degrees in Roman numeralsC F G C → I IV V I
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Which triad is ii in C major?
Answer
D minor: D–F–A.Related topics
Building diatonic chords in major · What tonic and dominant doReferences
Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom
Subject-expert review pending.