Chords are built on the various scale degrees. The position of the chord in the scale determines how one chord tone relates to the other. You can call it tonal harmony, functional harmony or just the ‘language of harmony’.
The primary triads of the scale are major I, IV, V. The roman numerals are used for harmonic analysis, while the proper names are used when speaking or writing.
The primary triads of the scale are major I, IV, V. The roman numerals are used for harmonic analysis, while the proper names are used when speaking or writing.
- I or Root is named the Tonic.
- IV is named Subdominant.
- V is named the Dominant.