What do Roman numerals represent in chords?

Roman numerals represent the position of a chord within a scale (the scale degree). Uppercase (I, IV, V) represents Major chords, while lowercase (ii, iii, vi) represents minor chords.

Why is the vii chord diminished?

In a major scale, the chord built on the 7th degree uses notes from the scale that form a diminished triad (root, minor third, flattened fifth).

How do Roman numerals help with transposing?

Roman numerals focus on the relationship between chords rather than specific notes. A 'I - V - vi - IV' progression remains the same in any key (e.g., C-G-Am-F in C Major, or G-D-Em-C in G Major).

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Roman Numeral Chord Chart

Understand the structure behind your favorite songs. Our Roman numeral analysis chart helps you transpose, compose, and analyze chord progressions.

Major Key Chords

The foundation of Western popular music.

Degree	Type	Example (C)	Function
I	Major	C	Tonic
ii	minor	Dm	Supertonic
iii	minor	Em	Mediant
IV	Major	F	Subdominant
V	Major	G	Dominant
vi	minor	Am	Submediant
vii°	diminished	Bdim	Leading Tone

Natural Minor Key Chords

For more emotional or darker sounding progressions.

Degree	Type	Example (Am)	Function
i	minor	Am	Tonic
ii°	diminished	Bdim	Supertonic
III	Major	C	Mediant
iv	minor	Dm	Subdominant
v	minor	Em	Dominant
VI	Major	F	Submediant
VII	Major	G	Subtonic

Why Use Roman Numeral Analysis?

Roman numeral analysis is a method of representing chords as they relate to the root of a scale. Instead of thinking in specific notes (like C, F, and G), musicians think in relationships (I, IV, and V).

This is incredibly useful for:

Transposing Songs: If you know a song is I-V-vi-IV, you can play it in any key instantly.
Songwriting: Understanding which chords naturally sound good together helps you write better melodies and harmonies.
Ear Training: Recognizing the "sound" of a IV chord or a V chord relative to the tonic (I).

Capital vs. Lowercase

The casing of the Roman numeral tells you the quality of the chord:

IVMajor Chords

viminor Chords

vii°diminished