How To Write Slash Chords In Roman Numerals Notation Basics

E is the third of the chord since it’s a third away from the root. G is the fifth of the chord since it is a fifth away from the root (two stacked thirds create an interval of a fifth). B-flat is the seventh of the chord since it’s a seventh away from the root (three stacked thirds create an interval of a seventh). Chords with 3 notes are called triads, and chords with an added seventh are called seventh chords.

The chord symbol alone implies the root of the chord is in the bass (lowest voice). Add a slash to indicate that a different note of the chord is in the bass. For example, C7/G represents a C seventh chord (C–E–G–B♭) with a G (the fifth) in the bass instead of C. The notation G/B indicates a G major chord (G–B–D) with a B (the third) in the bass instead of G. When a chord tone other than the root is in the bass, the chord is in inversion.

Read major sharp keys: Locate the last sharp (farthest to the right). The note that’s one half-step above the last sharp is the root of the major key (the tonic). For example, if the last sharp is G#, then you’re in A major. Read major flat keys: The second flat from the right is the tonic. For example, if the second flat from the right is D♭, then you’re in D♭ major. The exception to this rule is F major, which only has one flat in its key signature (B♭). Minor keys: Determine what the major key would be, then find the note that’s a minor third below the major tonic. For example, a key signature with 3 sharps could be A major or F# minor. If there are no sharps or flats at all, then you’re in C major or A minor.

For example, if the last sharp is G#, then you’re in A major.

For example, a key signature with 3 sharps could be A major or F# minor.

For example, if you’re in the key of F major, your F major scale is F–G–A–B♭–C–D–E before returning to F again. The B is flat (♭) because the F major key signature has a flat on the B line.

In major keys, the pattern of major and minor chords built on scale degrees is always: I–ii–iii–IV–V–vi–vii° (the degree (°) symbol indicates the chord is diminished). In minor keys, the pattern of major and minor chords built on scale degrees is always: i–ii°–III–iv–v–VI–VII. Augmented chords don’t appear diatonically (within the notes of a key). To indicate an augmented chord, add a plus sign (+) to a capital Roman numeral (for example, V+).

If the fifth of a triad is in the bass (for example, C/G), then add a superscript “6/4” (V64). This is called second inversion and indicates that the interval from the fifth up to the root is a fourth. If you have a seventh chord with the seventh in the bass (C7/B♭), then add a superscript “4/2” (V42) or just “2” (V2). This is called third inversion and indicates that the interval from the seventh up to the root is a second. Use superscript “6/5” for seventh chords in first inversion, or “4/3” for seventh chords in second inversion. If there was no slash (the chord was just C or C7 with a C in the bass), then indicate it as V or V7.