AP Music Theory Flashcards: Diatonic Chords and Roman Numerals
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What three specific details about a chord are indicated by the system of Roman and Arabic numerals?
This system indicates the scale degree of the chord's root, its quality, and the specific bass note being played.
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What three specific details about a chord are indicated by the system of Roman and Arabic numerals?
This system indicates the scale degree of the chord's root, its quality, and the specific bass note being played.
Besides the Roman numeral, what other symbol is used in this analysis system and what does it indicate?
Arabic numerals are also used in this system, and they indicate the specific bass note of the chord, which is used to identify inversions.
In what two contexts can Roman numeral analysis be applied?
Roman numeral analysis can be used to identify chords in both performed music (by ear) and notated music (by sight).
What is the primary purpose of identifying the harmonic function of chords in a progression?
Identifying harmonic function through Roman numeral analysis helps to understand the role and relationship of each chord within the key's harmonic structure.
What types of chords are considered the diatonic chords of a key?
The triads and seventh chords that are built from the notes of a given key's scale constitute the diatonic chords of that key.
How is the harmonic function of chords within a performed progression identified?
The harmonic function is identified by providing an analysis using Roman and Arabic numerals for each chord in the progression.
What are diatonic chords?
Diatonic chords are the triads and seventh chords built on the scale degrees of a given key.
In harmonic analysis, what two pieces of information does a Roman numeral convey about a diatonic chord?
A Roman numeral indicates the scale degree on which the chord is built and the quality of the chord (e.g., major, minor).
If you are asked to provide a harmonic analysis of a piece of music, what are you being asked to do?
You are being asked to identify the chords and label them with the appropriate Roman and Arabic numerals to show their root, quality, and function within the key.
What is the relationship between scale degrees and diatonic chords?
Diatonic chords are built on the scale degrees of a key, with the Roman numeral representing the specific scale degree that serves as the chord's root.