Questions: Roman Numeral Analysis

Question 1

In G major, the chord built on the fifth scale degree is D major. What is the correct Roman numeral label for this chord?

• A. v
• B. V
• C. IV
• D. D

Answer: (B)

The fifth scale degree in any key receives the numeral V. Because the chord built there in a major key is major, it is written in uppercase: V. Writing 'D' is the most common beginner error — it confuses the pitch name with the functional label. The whole point of Roman numerals is to be key-independent.

Question 2

The Roman numeral 'V' generally refers to the same pitch class (e.g., the note G) regardless of which key you are in.

• T. True
• F. False

Answer: False

Roman numerals track harmonic function, not absolute pitch. V in C major is G, but V in G major is D, and V in F major is C. Confusing numerals with pitch classes is the most common misconception in learning this system.

Question 3

Why are some Roman numerals written in uppercase (I, IV, V) and others in lowercase (ii, iii, vi) in a major key analysis?

Model answer: The case signals chord quality. Uppercase numerals denote major chords; lowercase denote minor chords. In a major key, the chords built on scale degrees 1, 4, and 5 are naturally major (I, IV, V), while those on degrees 2, 3, and 6 are naturally minor (ii, iii, vi). Quality is determined by the key's scale, not assigned arbitrarily.

The diatonic scale already determines whether a triad built on each degree is major or minor. By matching case to quality, Roman numeral notation lets you read off both the root's position in the scale AND the chord type in a single symbol — more information than a letter name alone would provide.