AP Music Theory Flashcards: The iii (III) Chord
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.
Why is the III chord in a minor key functionally more significant than the iii chord in a major key?
The III chord is more significant because of its strong association with the relative major, a common tonal area for contrast and development.
Card 1 of 10
All Flashcards (10)
Why is the III chord in a minor key functionally more significant than the iii chord in a major key?
The III chord is more significant because of its strong association with the relative major, a common tonal area for contrast and development.
In 18th-century style, how frequently is the mediant triad used in harmonic progressions?
The mediant triad (iii or III) is rarely used in the harmonic progressions of 18th-century style.
In the key of A minor, what chord is the III chord and what key does it represent?
The III chord in A minor is C major, which represents the relative major key.
What Roman numeral represents the mediant triad in a minor key?
The mediant triad in a minor key is represented by the major Roman numeral III.
If a notated score in E minor features a prominent G major chord, what is its most likely function based on 18th-century practice?
The G major chord is the III chord in E minor and its function is to represent the relative major key of G major.
What is the primary role of the III chord when it appears in a minor key?
The III chord in a minor key primarily functions as a representative of the relative major key.
What is meant by a chord's 'harmonic function' and 'progression'?
Harmonic function is the role a chord plays within a key, while progression refers to the sequence of chords in a piece of music.
A composer wants to briefly modulate from C minor to its relative major. Which chord serves as the tonic of this new key?
The III chord of C minor, which is Eb major, would serve as the tonic of the relative major key.
Which version of the mediant triad is more common in 18th-century music: the one in major (iii) or minor (III)?
The mediant triad in a minor key (III) appears more often than the mediant triad in a major key (iii).
What is the general quality (major or minor) of the mediant triad in a natural minor scale?
The mediant triad in a natural minor scale is a major chord, hence the Roman numeral III.