Year 9 Foundation Music Theory

Chords and Degrees of the Scale

Identifying Chords using Degrees of the Scale Exercise 1 (pdf) / (sib)

So far, you have identified chords using their letter names (e.g. C major, CEG). However, we learn more about the function of a chord if we identify it by its position within the prevailing key (e.g. in the key of C major, C = I, D = II, E = III etc.) We use roman numerals to identify each degree of the scale, and therefore each chord. In this exercise, practise identifying chords using the degrees of the scale.

Identifying Chords using Degrees of the Scale Exercise 2 (Extension) (pdf) / (sib)

In this exercise, practise identifying chords using the degrees of the scale. To identify each chord, you will need to work out which notes belong to the chord and which notes are non-chord notes (and should be ignored).

Notating Chords in Different Keys

Use your knowledge of key signatures and chords to notate the following four-chord progressions for piano. Place one note on the bass stave. Place three or four notes on the treble stave.

Notate the following four chord progressions:

Question 1 in C major: I, V, VI, IV

Question 2 in F major: I, VI, IV, V

Question 3 in D major: I, III, VI, V

Question 4 in A minor: I, IV, VI, V

Question 5 in E minor: IV, I, VI, V