(AM) The Analysis Process Lesson

The Analysis Process

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Analyzing the notes and chords of a song is a major part of music theory.

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In this analysis, we will be looking at the first four measures of O Canada! The national anthem of Canada.

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The first step in analysis is to determine the key. Since the key signature contains three flats, we have two possibilities: Eb major or its relative minor c minor.

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The first chord contains an Eb, Bb and G. By arranging the triad notes in 3rds (EbGBb), we find the root to be the Eb. That would make it a I chord in Eb Major, so we are most likely in that key. All Roman numerals are determined by the root of each chord.

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The second chord contains a D, Bb and F. Arranged in 3rds (BbDF), we have a Bb major triad. This is V in Eb Major. Since the third is the lowest note, the triad is in first inversion. Therefore you must add a 6 beside the Roman numeral to indicate 1st inversion.

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Since the third chord is the same as the previous one, we do not have to repeat the analysis symbol.

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The first chord of the second measure contains a C, G, and Eb. By arranging the triad notes in 3rds (CEbG), we find the root to be the C. So it is vi chord.

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The second chord contains a Bb, D and F. Arranged in 3rds (BbDF) another Bb major triad. This time, it is in root position so the Roman numeral V is used.

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The first chord of the third measure contains an Eb, Bb and G. Arranged in 3rds (EbGBb) an Eb major triad. Thus, it is another I chord.

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The second chord contains a C, Ab and Eb. Arranged in 3rds (AbCEb), an Ab major triad in first inversion. So we use the Roman numeral IV with a 6 to indicate 1st inversion.

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The third chord contains a G, Eb and Bb. Spelled in 3rds (EbGBb), an Eb major triad in first inversion. So we use the Roman numeral I with a 6 to indicate 1st inversion.

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The fourth chord contains an Ab, C and Eb. Spelled in 3rds (AbCEb) - another Ab major triad. Notice that it is now in root position so we use the Roman numeral IV without the 6.

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The final measure contains a Bb, D and F. Spelled in 3rds (BbDF), a Bb major triad. Thus, we end with a V.

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Listen to these measures of O Canada!

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