Chords are the backbone of harmony. Understanding how they’re built, named, and used in cadences is vital for analysis, composition, and aural work. Here’s how the ABRSM explores chords across Grades 1–5.
🧱 What Is a Chord?
A chord is a group of (typically 3 or more) notes sounded together. The most common is the triad — a chord built from a root, a third, and a fifth.
Example: C–E–G = C major triad
🎓 Grade-by-Grade Requirements
🎵 Grade 1
- Recognise and name:
- Tonic triad (I) in C, G, F major
- Know that chords are built on:
- 1st, 3rd, and 5th degrees of a scale
📌 Tip: Practice writing out C major scale and stacking the tonic chord above the 1st note.
🎵 Grade 2
- Tonic chords in new keys:
- D, A, B♭ major
- Introduction to dominant chords (V) — especially at cadences
📌 Tip: A dominant chord is built on the 5th scale degree (e.g., in C major, the dominant is G–B–D)
🎵 Grade 3
- Learn and recognise:
- Chords I, IV, V
- Identify chord progressions
- Understand how chords form cadences
- Perfect (V–I) and Imperfect (I–V)
📌 Mnemonic: “I–IV–V–I” = classic progression in many simple pieces.
🎵 Grade 4
- Expand to minor keys:
- Chords I, IV, V and vi
- More cadence types:
- Plagal (IV–I) and Interrupted (V–vi)
- Identify chords in Roman numerals
- Add awareness of inversions
📌 Tip: vi is a minor chord in major keys. It sounds softer and is used in interrupted cadences.
🎵 Grade 5
- All chords (I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii°) in major and minor keys
- Recognise root position and inversions
- Identify chords in SATB textures
- Use chords in harmonising melodies and composing cadences
📌 Tip: Pay attention to bass notes to identify inversions.
🧰 Common Cadences
| Cadence | Chord Progression | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Perfect | V – I | Finished / Final |
| Imperfect | I / II / IV – V | Unfinished / Pause |
| Plagal | IV – I | “Amen” cadence |
| Interrupted | V – vi | Surprising / gentle |
🎯 How to Practise Chords
🎹 Play chords on piano
See and hear the spacing. Build triads from the scale.
📝 Write out Roman numerals
Write chords I, IV, V, vi in several keys. Use both major and minor.
🎧 Listen for cadences
Use exam past papers or simple piano pieces and identify the final two chords.
📚 Try Progressions
Practice writing I–IV–V–I in G major, F major, and D minor.
🧠 Tips for Exam Success
- Memorise how each chord is constructed
- Know the chord types in both major and minor keys
- Learn which cadences use which chords
- Practise applying chords to melodies, especially at cadences
✅ Summary by Grade
| Grade | Chord Content |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic chords in C, G, F major |
| 2 | Tonic and dominant chords in new keys |
| 3 | Chords I, IV, V and cadences |
| 4 | Cadences incl. plagal/interrupted, intro to vi chords |
| 5 | Full range (I–vii°), inversions, harmonisation |
RobboDoesMusic 
Leave a comment