Roman Numeral Analysis

Chords and how they function in a key are refered to by an identification system called roman
numeral analysis. Each chord in a key is assigned a roman numeral so that their root
relationships can be studied. The root of the chord and its scale position in the key determine
the roman numeral assigned. Upper case roman numerals signify major triads in root position
while lower case roman numerals signify minor triads in root position. A "o" is used after a
roman numeral to indicate that a triad is diminished and a "+" for augmented. In all major
keys the tonic triad (I) is major, the supertonic and mediant triads (ii and iii) are minor, the
subdominant and dominant triads (IV and V) are major, the submediant triad (vi) is minor,
and the leading-tone triad (viio) is diminished.

Diatonic Triads in Major

The following example shows how triads in the key of C major are identified with roman
numerals. Notice that I, IV, and V are major; ii, iii, and vi are minor; and viio is diminished.

The quality of the triads in a minor key are different from major. They also differ depending
on which form of the minor scale is being used. Scale degrees 6 and 7 are variable and give
rise to six additional triads. Compare the triad qualities of each of the following minor key
examples. Notice that all the triads except tonic can be of more than one quality.

Diatonic Triads in Natural Minor

Diatonic Triads in Harmonic Minor

Diatonic Triads in Melodic Minor

Common Triads in Minor

Of the thirteen possible triad qualities in minor some are used more often than the others.
Those shown below are the most frequently used triad qualities in minor. Notice that the roots
belong to the harmonic minor scale and the notes of each triad comes from the natural minor
scale except for V and viio which come from the harmonic minor scale.

from Impromptu, op. 90, no.4 by Schubert

Roman numerals are used to indicate the sequence of chords in a music example. Look at the
Schubert example below. The key of the example is indicated by writing the key name below
the key signature followed by a colon. Underneath each chord change is placed a roman
numeral. This example is in A-flat major and the chord progression is I - IV - V - I or Ab
major - Db major - Eb major - Ab major. The chord progression I - IV - V - I is very common
in tonal music.

from Ich Schell mein Horn ins Jammertal, Op. 43, No.3 by Brahms
This example by Brahms is in Bb major. It consists of a sequence of triads in root position.

from Rondo a capriccio, Op. 129 by Beethoven

Notice the sequence of chords in this example. In the progression vi - ii - V - I each of the
roots are related by ascending fourths or descending fifths. This type of chord progression is
very common in tonal music.