13. Triads
Identifying Chord Members
For each of the following triads, write the pitch letter name of the root, third, and fifth on the lines below the staff. (Note that each of the triads in part B has one of the chord members doubled.)
Identifying Doublings
Both of the excerpts below consist primarily of a series of different triads in four voices. For each of the specified chords, write the letter name of the doubled note (e.g., “E”) on the upper blank line and indicate its role within the triad (root, third, or fifth) on the lower blank line.
Triad Quality Table
Complete the table below by writing the names of the various intervals found in each triad quality.
| triad quality | interval between root and third | interval between third and fifth | interval between root and fifth |
|---|---|---|---|
|
major
|
M3 |
m3 |
P5 |
|
minor
|
m3 |
M3 |
P5 |
|
diminished
|
m3 |
m3 |
d5 |
|
augmented
|
M3 |
M3 |
A5 |
Identifying Natural (white-note) Triads
Being able to quickly recognize natural (white-note) chords will make it much easier to identify chords that have accidentals. Identify each of the following triads by writing its root on the upper line and its quality on the lower line.
Writing Triads in Root Position
Each of the following exercises provides a pitch-letter name for the root of a triad and one of the four triad qualities. Write the indicated triad on the staff provided. (Avoid using ledger lines.)
Writing Triads Given Different Chord Members
Each of the following exercises provides a single note on the staff. The text below this note indicates whether the given note is the root, third, or fifth of a triad and specifies one of the four triad qualities. Complete the triad by writing in the two remaining chord members. Do not alter the given note.
Identifying Triad Inversions
Each of the following triads is in either root position, first inversion, or second inversion. For each chord, specify (from the top blank line to the bottom) the pitch-letter name of the root of the chord, the triad quality (M, m, °, or +), the chord member (root, third, or fifth) found in the bass, and the bass figures commonly used to represent the chord’s position. (Feel free to use the abbreviated forms of the bass figures.)
Identifying Triads in Different Keys
Each of the following exercises presents a key and a chord. Identify each chord using a Roman numeral based on where the chord would be found in its respective key. Make sure to use bass figures to indicate inversions.
Writing Triads in Different Keys
Each of the following exercises presents a key and a Roman numeral. Write the appropriate triad on the staff provided. Invert the chords where indicated by bass figures. Avoid using ledger lines when possible.
Analysis
Analyze each of the following excerpts by adding a Roman numeral to each of the lines below the lower staff. Make sure to match your Roman numeral case (upper or lower) to the quality of the chord and use bass figures to indicate inversions.
Triad Completion
Each of the chords in the chorale below is a triad and is missing one chord member (the root, third, or fifth). Write each missing note in the empty space. Do not use accidentals. The first chord has been completed for you: the missing third (B) has been added to the top voice. (Note: There may be more than one correct answer for a given chord.)
