Macro Analysis

In music theory, macro analysis is a method of transcribing, or writing down chords that may be used along with or instead of conventional musical analysis. Uppercase or lowercase letters are used to indicate the roots of chords, followed by symbols which specify the chord quality.

Triad Macro analysis symbols
Root Chord quality Example Audio
Major triad Uppercase C Play
Minor triad Lowercase c Play
Augmented triad Uppercase + C+ Play
Diminished triad Lowercase o co Play

Slurs are used to indicate motion, with solid slurs connecting roots an ascending fifth or descending fourth apart or dotted slurs indicating leading-tone resolution (in a dominant substitution). Macro analysis, placed below the score, may be accompanied by roman numeral analysis, placed below it.

Other systems of notation for chords include: plain staff notation, used in classical music, Roman numerals, commonly used in harmonic analysis, figured bass, much used in the Baroque era, and various names and symbols used in jazz and popular music.

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    Cubism had been an analysis of the object and an attempt to put it before us in its totality; both as analysis and as synthesis, it was a criticism of appearance. Surrealism transmuted the object, and suddenly a canvas became an apparition: a new figuration, a real transfiguration.
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