Figuration of triads
Figuration of triads
In this introduction, figuration of a triad or chord is understood to be the assignment of its numerical value and position in the key, including the representation of the intervals in the chord.
In a previous discussion you would have learnt that chords may be written in root position, first inversion and second inversion. Here, we are concerned in how to figure the chord using a meaningful and broadly accepted method.
When the entire scales is harmonised as in the example below, we find that some triads are major and some are minor. Chords 1, 4, 5 and 8 are major in every major key, while chords 2, 3, and 6 are minor. The triad formed on the 7th note is know as a half diminished.
If we figure the triads below it does not make sense to use regular numbers, e.g.
C D E F G A B C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
These numbers do not tell us whether a triad i major or minor. Roman numerals are an ideal way to represent which triads are minor and major. Use lowercase Roman numerals for minor and diminished chords and uppercase Roman numerals for major and augmented chords chords.
