Chord description using Roman numerals

The examples below show the two most common ways of describing chords using Roman numerals In system (a) all chords are written using upper-case numerals, regardless of whether they are major or minor. This system has the merit of, at least visually, treating each chord as of equal value In system (b) major chords are written in upper-case numerals, minor & other chords are written in lower-case. This system tells you more about each chord (whether its major, minor or diminished) Chords of the major scale:

Chords of the natural minor scale:

If you decide to use system (b) you need to know that a diminished chord is indicated by a small degree sign (as in chord vii of the major scale above, or chord ii of the natural minor). An augmented chord is indicated by a plus sign

Important: When identifying & describing any chord, make sure your description takes account of the key signature So, if we are in a major key and chord II is harmonised as a major chord, this is how it to describe it, first if the tonic is C major, and secondly if the tonic is, say, Eb major: (in C) (in Eb)

A final thought: both systems are acceptable & satisfactory ways of describing chords. However, it makes sense to give an examiner no reason at all to doubt your understanding (and thereby dock you marks). So, if youre using system (b), and come across something like the two chords illustrated above, it would probably be safest to describe the second chord as and , so theres no possible room for misunderstanding