Topic outline

  • Welcome!

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    With this course you can practise:

    • Chord progressions: degrees I IV and V

    Recommended to study before this course:

    • Chords 2A-B

  • I IV and V degrees in major key

    The I, IV, and V chords are the three most used chords in major or minor key. They are called primary triads or primary chords.

    • I degree (tonic)
    • IV degree (subdominant or predominant leading into dominant)
    • V degree (dominant), usually leading into tonic

    They are all major triads (in major key).

  • I IV and V in major (chord labels)

    Because all primary chords are major triads they are using the root. 

    For example in Bb major key

    • I degree is Bb
    • IV degree is Eb
    • V degree is F

  • I IV and V in minor key

    In minor key

    • I degree is a minor triad
    • IV degree is  a minor triad
    • V degree is a major triad (because harmonic minor is usually used)


    For example in C# minor:

    • I degree is C#m
    • IV degree is F#m
    • V degree is G#