Roman numeral analysis
A system that labels chords by their scale degree using Roman numerals, showing both root and quality
In Depth
Roman numeral analysis assigns each chord a numeral based on its position in the scale: I is the tonic, IV the subdominant, V the dominant, and so on. Upper-case numerals indicate major triads, lower-case indicate minor, and additional symbols show diminished (°) or augmented (+) quality. Inversions are shown with figured bass numbers. This system reveals harmonic function regardless of key, making it possible to compare progressions across different pieces and transpositions. It is the standard analytical tool in Western tonal theory.
The system was developed in the late 18th century by Georg Joseph Vogler, a German theorist who taught both Weber and Meyerbeer.