Quick questions on Chords and Harmony - TCE Music (Tasmania)

A triad is three notes a third apart: a root, a third and a fifth. The quality depends on the two thirds. A major triad is a major third then a minor third (C E G). A minor triad is a minor third then a major third (C E flat G).

Adding a third above the fifth makes a seventh chord. The dominant seventh (V7) is the most important: a major triad with a minor seventh, for example G B D F in C major. It contains a tritone between the third and seventh that resolves inward to the tonic, which is why V7 to I is such a strong progression. Other sevenths include the major seventh (bright, jazzy) and the minor seventh (smooth, common in pop and jazz).

There are two labelling systems. Roman numerals show a chord's function within a key: upper case for major (I, IV, V), lower case for minor (ii, vi), and a small circle for diminished (vii). This is the language of analysis because it shows the harmonic role regardless of key.

Aural harmony tasks ask you to identify chord qualities, simple progressions and cadence types. Listen first to the bass line, which often outlines the roots. Then judge whether each chord sounds major or minor, and whether the phrase ends with a sense of completion (perfect or plagal) or suspension (imperfect or interrupted). Singing the bass and the roots aloud trains this skill faster than passive listening.