The universal key or universal scale is a concept employed in music theory in which specific notes or chord symbols in a key signature are replaced with numbers or Roman numerals, allowing for a discussion describing relationships between notes or chords that can be universally applied to all key signatures.
For example, in the key of E-flat major, the notes of the scale would be replaced like so:
- E♭ becomes scale degree 1
- F becomes scale degree 2
- G becomes scale degree 3
- A♭ becomes scale degree 4
- B♭ becomes scale degree 5
- C becomes scale degree 6
- D becomes scale degree 7
Read more about Universal Key: Triads (common Practice Style), Triads (jazz and Popular Style), Further Reading
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