Roman Numeral Analysis

• Aug 31, 2018 - 19:10

I need help! In C major, how would you display this chord in Roman Numeral Analysis? :
F, Ab, C, D

Comments

• Sep 2, 2018 - 13:01

It's an unfortunate fact of life in the 21st century that the number 6 can mean both "triad in first version" and also "chord with added sixth". Usually we don't use it the latter way in Roman numeral analysis because sixths aren't functionally significant. Which is to say, we ignore sixths when done analysis. But you did specifically ask about it.

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• Aug 31, 2018 - 20:33

Context is also relevant. If it resolves directly to I (or iii), I would call it a iv chord (with an added sixth that may not be significant enough to include in the analysis). If it's resolving to V, I would be more likely to consider it a half-diminished ii in first inversion.

Either way, that's really just nomenclature; the actual "analysis" is that the chord is borrowed from the parallel minor.

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• Sep 4, 2018 - 16:45

To me, the downbeat of the second measure is problematic - that's not any sort of "normal" chord in the style of music that this language is designed to describe, nor does the name you attached actually fit it. It seems you are going for the sound of a V chord with a 4-3 suspension, but the 4 is doubled and not properly prepared in the soprano.

Anyhow, sorting that out - not just what to call it, but how you actually want to handle the voice leading - would be a necessary first step in naming the chord you have been asking about.

BTW, are you aware you have parallel octaves in through the first three beats?

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• Sep 4, 2018 - 17:04

The parallel octaves? No, it just means if this is a school assignment, you will likely get dinged for it. If it's not for a school assignment, then it also help to understand your goal in performing the analysis, as that too can affect how the analysis is best performed.

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