Grade 2 Music Theory, Unit 5, Lesson 3 of 3

Broken chords

About 2 min to read, then 5 practice questions

One at a time

F, A and C, one at a time

The notes of a triad can also be played one after another instead of together: a broken chord.

Quick check

These notes make a broken chord: E, G, B. Which key's tonic triad is it?

Stack them to find the key

Stacked in 3rds: D, F, A, so D minor

To find which triad it is, collect its notes and stack them in 3rds. The lowest note of the stack is the tonic, whichever note the music starts on.

Quick check

A broken chord in one flat starts on C, then A, then F. Which key?

Remember

  • A broken chord plays the triad's notes one after another.
  • Stack them in 3rds: the lowest is the tonic.

Practise this: 5 questions, about 4 min

Answering from memory soon after reading is what makes it stick, so now is a good time.

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