If, for example, you want to refer to the Db chord in C Phrygian, would you refer to it as the II chord (since it is the 2nd diatonic chord in (C Phrygian) or a flat II chord (since it is flat with respect to the Ionian mode)?
Also, is a triad specifically a grouping of notes consisting of 3 chords each a 3rd apart? Is D sus 4, for instance, a triad? What about E-F-Gb?
1) That would be the II chord of the Phrygian mode.
2 ) A triad is a set of 3 tones forming a chord and can be majot, minor, sus 2, sus 4, diminished.
E-F-Gb are just 3 consecutive tones of a scale, they don't answer to any chord formula so no triad and would sound incredebly bad.
Herman
Wow, you're all over the forum today! :)[br]
Originally Posted by: dlwalkeIf, for example, you want to refer to the Db chord in C Phrygian, would you refer to it as the II chord (since it is the 2nd diatonic chord in (C Phrygian) or a flat II chord (since it is flat with respect to the Ionian mode)?[/quote]Traditionally chords are labeled with the Roman numeral indicating the absolute chromatic interval distance from the root note. This works regardless of the scale or mode. Modes are not indicated in key signatures or Roman numeral analysis.
D-flat is the flat 2 of any scale starting on C. So, in your example:
C (i) - D-flat (bII)
Originally Posted by: dlwalkeAlso, is a triad specifically a grouping of notes consisting of 3 chords each a 3rd apart?Traditionally a triad is a group of three notes stacked vertically in thirds. That is the standard or "default setting". From there you can voice a triad or a chord in any given manner you can find available on a musical instrument.
[quote=dlwalke]Is D sus 4, for instance, a triad? What about E-F-Gb?
Suspended chords are variations, or alterations of triads.
Dsus4 is based on & a variation of D major in which the 4th is substituted for the major 3rd.
D major:
D (root)
F# (maj 3rd)
A (5th)
Dsus4:
D (root)
G (4th)
A (5th)
E-F-Gb is not a triad, but it can be named with reference to the triad-chord standard. Like any set of notes you label the intervals. In this case it's more appropriately a "tone or note cluster" (the typical name for close intervals):
E (root)
F (flat 2nd)
Gb (2nd)
You could call it an E sus 2 add b2 (no5th). :)
