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# Group 4: identifying triads in major keys

Note that you will need to work out which major key is being used first.

## Activity 1

Match Tonic triad in E flat major, Subdominant triad in A major, Tonic triad in D major to the triads below.

Tonic triad in D major

Tonic triad in E flat major

Subdominant triad in A major

Using the following two lists, match each numbered item with the correct letter.

1. Tonic triad in D major

2. Tonic triad in E flat major

3. Subdominant triad in A major

1. 1

2. 2

3. 3

The correct answers are:

- 1 =
- 2 =
- 3 =

### Answer

Tonic triad in D major. The key signature of two sharps signifies the major key of D major. The notes of the triad, the root, third and fifth, are D F♯ A, which means that this is the tonic triad in D major.

Tonic triad in E flat major. The key signature of three flats signifies the major key of E flat major. Bearing in mind that this is the bass stave, the notes of the triad, the root, third and fifth, are E♭ G B♭, which means that this is the tonic triad in E flat major.

Subdominant triad in A major. The key signature of three sharps signifies the major key of A major. The notes of the triad, the root, third and fifth, are D F♯ A. Since the root, the D, is the fourth above the tonic, A, it is the subdominant note, and therefore the triad is the subdominant triad in A major.

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