Grade 1: Tonic Triads: Introduction

The key note, or first degree of the scale, has another name: the tonic.  The tonic triad is a group of three notes: the key-note plus the 3rd and 5th degrees above it. Below are three tonic triads in C major:

 

Grade 1: Tonic Triads

Please note: The grade 1 to 5 theory exams are now online. Some of the questions in the online exam have been rephrased to accommodate the new style. In this video tutorial some of the descriptions refer to the written paper of old. With regard to the online exams you will no longer be required to write your answers but you will need to analyse the questions and tick or highlight an answer.

Grade 1: Tonic Triads

Download the following questions or write the notes on manuscript before completing.

Question 1

Name the keys of each of these tonic triads.

Answer 1

See the image for your answers

Question 2

Write the tonic triads named below, using the correct key signature for each.

Answer 2

See the image for the answers.

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