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Basic Harmony

David Loberg Code, Western Michigan University

Harmony parts are made by stringing together triads built on different scale degrees. 

Triadic Harmony: The three most common triads used to harmonize a melody are the tonic, subdominant, and dominant triads: I, IV, and V. 

In a major key, all three of these will be major triads.

 

 E

 

 

 A

 B

 

 

 

 

 C#

 

 

 F

 G#

 

 

 

Major Scale

 A

B 

 C#

 D

 E

 F#

 G#

 A

 

 I

 

 

 IV

 V

 

 

 

 

 Tonic

 

 

 Sub-Dominant

 Dominant

 

 

 

For harmonizing in minor keys, use the harmonic minor scale. The tonic (i) and subdominant (iv) will be minor triads; the dominant will be a major triad.

   E      A  B      
   C      F  G#      
Harmonic Minor  A  B C  D  E  F  G# A 
   i      iv  V      
   Tonic      Sub-Dominant  Domiant      
AttachmentSize
Image icon Graphic Review of Basic Functional Harmony (Major)12.46 KB
Image icon Graphic Review of Basic Functional Harmony (Minor)13.84 KB
Subject: 
Music Theory
Subject X2: 
Music Theory

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