Review: Diatonic Triads in Minor
The three types of minor scales produce variant qualities of triads.
The most frequently used mode is harmonic minor because it contains the raised leading tone that produces the dominant (V
) chord. Harmonic minor is occasionally embellished by harmonies borrowed from the natural or melodic minor scales.
Considerations for Roman numerals:
- The to the right of a Roman numeral means the third of the chord is raised.
- The
sign is used to raise flatted notes. - An accidental before a Roman numeral means the root of the chord is altered.
- The + sign to the right of a Roman numeral means the fifth of a major triad is raised (5), creating an augmented triad.
- When raising a note, natural notes become sharp, flat notes become natural, and sharp notes become double sharp.
The 13 Triads of the Minor Tonality
The example below specifies the type of minor where the chord occurs: N(atural), H(armonic), and/or M(elodic).
Practice 1
Memorize the qualities of the triads in all minor keys.
Example 1: What is the iio triad in D harmonic minor?
Answer: The 2nd note of D harmonic minor is E. The iio triad in harmonic minor is a diminished triad. Therefore, the iio triad in D harmonic minor (Dm: iio) is E diminished.
Example 2: What is the VI triad in A natural minor?
Answer: The 6th note of A natural minor is F. The VI triad in natural minor is a major triad. Therefore, the VI triad in A natural minor (Am: VI) is F major.
Example 3: In what harmonic minor keys does the C minor triad exist?
Answer: The only minor triads in harmonic minor are i and iv. C minor is i in C minor and iv in G minor. Therefore, the C minor triad exists in the following keys: Cm: i and Gm: iv.
Practice 2