Secondary Triads

Definition

Secondary triads are chords built on the second, third, sixth, and seventh scale degrees of a diatonic scale. These triads serve as harmonically related structures that complement the primary triads (I, IV, V) in a tonal context, providing additional color and richness to harmonic progressions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary triads are typically represented by lowercase roman numerals when written in harmonic analysis, indicating their minor quality.
2. The ii, iii, vi, and vii° chords are the common secondary triads found in major keys, while their relative minor keys use ii°, iii, vi, and VII.
3. These triads can be used to create smoother voice leading between primary triads and enrich chord progressions.
4. Secondary triads often lead into primary triads through common tones or stepwise motion, enhancing harmonic movement.
5. They can also include altered or extended chords to add complexity and interest to harmonic sequences.

Review Questions

• How do secondary triads function within a harmonic progression that primarily uses primary triads?
  • Secondary triads enhance harmonic progressions that mainly use primary triads by introducing additional chords that can provide tension and resolution. For example, the ii chord can lead to the V chord before resolving to the I chord. This movement creates a sense of direction and adds emotional depth to the progression. Thus, secondary triads help create more interesting and varied music while still grounding it in familiar primary harmonic structures.
• Discuss the role of secondary triads in relation to modulation and tonicization within a piece of music.
  • Secondary triads play a crucial role in modulation and tonicization by allowing composers to temporarily shift the tonal center without fully changing key. For instance, using a ii chord in a new key can lead to its dominant, creating a pathway to tonicize that new key. This technique enriches harmonic exploration and gives composers greater flexibility in their musical narratives by expanding tonal possibilities while maintaining connections to the original key.
• Evaluate how secondary triads contribute to the overall emotional impact of a musical composition.
  • Secondary triads significantly contribute to the emotional impact of a composition by adding layers of complexity and contrast to harmonic progressions. By incorporating these chords, composers can create moments of tension that resolve into familiar primary triads, enhancing feelings of anticipation and release. This interplay between expectation and surprise engages listeners emotionally, making music more compelling and dynamic. The careful placement of secondary triads allows for expressive storytelling through harmony.

Related terms

Primary Triads: Chords built on the first (I), fourth (IV), and fifth (V) degrees of a scale, forming the foundational harmonies in Western music.

Diatonic Scale: A seven-note scale comprising five whole steps and two half steps, creating the basis for forming triads and harmonies in Western music.

Tonicization: The process of treating a chord other than the tonic as if it were a tonic for a brief period, often involving secondary dominants.