What is this tool?

Roman numerals label chords by their scale degree within a key rather than by absolute note name. This tool fixes a key, shows you a chord, and asks for the classical roman numeral (I, ii, V7, vii°, optionally with inversion figures). It is a good bridge for anyone used to popular-music degree notation who now needs to read a harmony textbook.

When it helps

• Read harmony textbooks

  Classical harmony is written in roman numerals. You will learn the upper/lower case convention and what ° and ø mean.

• Think about progressions independently of key

  Repetition teaches you that the same chord can be I in one key and V in another.

• Include inversion figures

  Selecting "with inversions" lets you practise answers like V6 and V65.

How to use

1. 1 Choose the key and major or minor
2. 2 Choose the range (triads, sevenths, or with inversions)
3. 3 Pick the roman numeral for the chord shown
4. 4 Press play to hear the chord
5. 5 Check the explanation for how the scale degree was counted, then continue

Related Tools

Lessons that use this tool

The sections of the systematic curriculum where this actually comes up.

• Chord Structure Roman Numeral Analysis in Major and Minor