7. Triads - Inversions, Close and Open Position Flashcards
What is a triad?
A three note chord.
How does an inversion of a triad occur?
When the Root (key note) of the triad is moved to a new position.
What is the distinguishing feature of a root position triad?
The triad is all lines or all spaces.
What is the root of a root position triad?
The lowest note.
In any inversion, how is the position of the triad determined?
By the lowest note.
What stays the same in any triad position (root position, 1st inv and 2nd inv)?
The name of the root of the triad.
What is the lowest note when a triad is in root position?
The root.
How do you change a triad in root position to 1st inversion?
The bottom note (the root) moves up one octave.
How do you change a triad in 1st inversion to 2nd inversion?
The bottom note (the 3rd) moves up one octave.
What is the lowest note when a triad is in 1st inversion position?
The 3rd
What is the lowest note when a triad is in 2nd inversion position?
The 5th.
What is the proper placement of accidentals in triads and inversions?
1st accidental is closest to the top
2nd accidental is further away from the bottom note
3rd accidental is furthest away from the middle note.
What does a root position Major triad consist of?
Root, Major third, Perfect 5th
What does a root position minor triad consist of?
Root, minor third and Perfect 5th.
How should you go about writing an inversion of a triad?
Write the triad in root position first and then write the inversion.
Where can triads be built?
On any degree of a Major or Harmonic minor scale.
What is used to indicate the scale degree of the root note if the triad?
Roman numerals - upper case RN for Major triads and lower case RN for minor triads.
In a Major scale - on what degrees of the Major scale are the major and minor triads built?
Tonic Supertonic Mediant Subdominant Dominant Submediant
In an Harmonic minor scale - on what degrees of the minor scale are the major and minor triads built?
Tonic
Subdominant
Dominant
Subqmediant
How is a triad in Close position written?
The notes are written
- as close together as possible
- with no interval larger than a 6th.
- broken or solid
- in root position or an inversion
- On the Grand staff or divided between the treble clef and the bass clef
How is the position of the triad determined?
By the lowest note.
- if the lowest note is the root (key note) - the triad is in root position
- if the lowest note is 3rd above the root - the triad is in 1st inversion position
- if the lowest note is 5th above the root - the triad is in 2nd inversion position
How are triads in an Open Position written?
The notes are written
- with intervals larger than a 6th.
- broken or solid
- in root position or an inversion
- On a single staff or on the Grand staff or divided between the treble clef and the bass clef
- One of the notes (usually the root) may be doubled.
What is the definition of grave?
Slow and solrm
What is the definition of vivace?
Lively, brisk
