Triads and their inversions in major/minor keys,

Contents & notes: what this topic covers

Under Triads and their inversions in major/minor keys,, the JAMB Music syllabus expects you to study:

1. Triads and their inversions in major/minor keys, NOT exceeding two sharps and two flats.
(a) Primary triads in major keys.
(b) Secondary triads in major keys.
NOTE A CHORD INDICATIONS
(i) major triads are indicated with capital Roman numerals e.g.
(ii) minor triads are indicated with small Roman numerals e.g.
(iii) diminished triads are indicated with small Roman numerals with a “o” sign, e.g. viio
(iv) augmented triads are indicated with capital numerals with a “+”, e.g III+ NOTE B
(i) In any major scale, major triads are I, IV and V
(ii) minor triads are ii,
(iii) diminished triad is viio NOTE C
(i) In any harmonic minor, minor triads are
(ii) major triads are V and VI
(iii) diminished triads are iio and viio
(vi) augmented triad is III+ NOTE D Primary triads are I, IV and V in major scales but i, iv and V in harmonic minor scales.
2. (a) Basic chord progressions in four parts vocal style (SATB) in major keys NOT exceeding two sharps and two flats.
(b) Dominant 7th chord in root position only

Study notes & guidance

Study Triads and their inversions in major/minor keys, using a recommended Music textbook that follows the JAMB syllabus. Work through the contents listed above one by one, make brief notes in your own words, and then practise as many questions on this topic as you can — in Music, understanding and steady practice matter far more than memorising. Use the objectives below as a checklist: if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Objectives — candidates should be able to

After studying Triads and their inversions in major/minor keys,, you should be able to:

Identify triads and their inversions in both major and minor;
Compare types of triads; and
Determine the use of triads.
Determine the basic chord progressions in a music passage; and
Recognize the dominant 7th chord.

These objectives are from the official JAMB syllabus. Use them as a checklist — if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Then practise: the fastest way to lock in a topic is to test yourself under time. Go to CBT practice →

Source: official JAMB UTME Music syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.

Mark your progress

Contents & notes: what this topic covers

Study notes & guidance

Objectives — candidates should be able to