Naming of Chords

W.J.Pais Music Study - Vocal Music & Sight Reading FAQ
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Naming  the Chords:

Chords are named in different ways.  For example, the name of the root or first  key name of the set of 3 alternate names, is used as the name of the Chord.  Thus C chord means a chord  consisting of C E and G keys.  The F chord means, a chord consisting of F, A and C keys.  A seventh chord would have four alternate keys. Thus G 7 would mean, the root G and the three succeeding alternates: B, D and F.

The three chords whose roots are C , F and G are called the primary chords of the C Scale, and are major Chords.  The other chords of the C scale are those of D, E and A, which are minor and are named Dm, Em and Am.  The chord on B is called a diminished chord.  More explanations about these later. 

A major scale has a unique structure and retains this, even when the pitch is raised or lowered.   When the pitch is raised, the Scale Name changes to that on which it starts.   Thus C Major starts on C, and D Major starts on D.   What is common is the  unique structure.   The first fourth and fifth notes bear major chords, the second, third and sixth bear minor chords, and the seventh bears a diminished chord.   Hence they are  given Roman Numerals: I, IV and V, for major chords, and  ii, iii and vi for minor chords, and vii dim for diminished chord  Some times a degree sign is placed after Roman numeral vii.   An index name is placed after the  Roman numeral.  - a  -  i.e. Ia for root position.   -b-  i.e. iib for  1st inversion, and -c-  i.e. vic for second inversion.   For more information see Section 7 on page 68, and Appendix A on page 121..

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