Three pitches can be arranged to form a root, 3rd, and 5th.

Tertian Harmony – harmony based on 3rds

Possible Combinations of Major and Minor Thirds

Parallel Triads

Triads in Major

Major triads in major are called Primary Triads

Primary triads can be used to harmonize any diatonic melody.

Lead Sheet Symbols

• Notated above the melodic staff
• Provided with a melody as a shorthand for underlying harmony
• Symbols last until the next chord change
• Notation is non-standardized…(use the format in the red box for assignments)

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Open and Closed Voicings