Music theory definition
Roman numeral
A label for a chord by its scale degree: I, ii, V… Uppercase is major, lowercase minor.
Numbers for chords
name by degree.
Learn it in context
This term is introduced in Unit 9: Diatonic harmony. Work through the explanations and exercises to connect the definition with music.
- Roman numerals
One label for a chord's job in any key.
Explore with an interactive tool
- Progression sandbox
Drag Roman numerals into a timeline in any key, play it back with a rhythm, and watch the harmony and voice leading.
Related music terms
- Harmony
- The way notes sound together and how groups of notes move from one to the next.
- Diatonic
- Belonging to the current key - using only its seven notes.
- Chromatic
- Using notes outside the current key.
- Harmonic function
- A chord's job in a progression: tonic (home), predominant (away), or dominant (pulling home).
- Predominant
- Chords like IV and ii that lead toward the dominant.