Root Position Triads

• All triads should contain a root a third and a fifth
• The fifth sometimes is omitted
• Double the root except in diminished chords, where you will usually double the third and in the VI chord of a V - VI progression where you will also double the third.

Guidelines

• When possible leave common tones in the same voice.
  • When the bass moves by thirds or sixths there are two notes in common
  • When the bass moves by fourths or fifths there is one note in common
  • When the bass moves by seconds or sevenths there are no notes in common and all upper parts should move in contrary motion to the bass

Exceptions: In the V-vi or V-VI progression the third of the submediant chord is doubled for the leading tone to resolve to the tonic.

Voicing of V-I or V-i