Three note chords C#-A-E. What chord name?

**Strat-itis** · 05-19-2026, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by pamosmusic

Right but that doesn’t have anything to do with the difference between a modulation and a temporary tonicization.

Yes it does. If you're in the mode of just going by whatever chords are on the page rather than actually knowing the tune, it will certainly screw up the playing. Viewing the tune as modulating everywhere is more just reading the chords down and following 2-5s. Knowing the rudimentary chord movements, like going to the 4, is more knowing the tune.

**pamosmusic** · 05-19-2026, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by Strat-itis

Yes it does. If you're in the mode of just going by whatever chords are on the page rather than actually knowing the tune, it will certainly screw up the playing. Viewing the tune as modulating everywhere is more just reading the chords down and following 2-5s. Knowing the rudimentary chord movements, like going to the 4, is more knowing the tune.

Hmm. Okay point taken.

If it’s modulation then it’s anywhere goes anywhere. If it’s tonicization, then you’re talking about it fitting in a more predictable group of common movements from home base?

I think I’d by that.

Point Clint.

**Strat-itis** · 05-19-2026, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by pamosmusic

If it’s modulation then it’s anywhere goes anywhere. If it’s tonicization, then you’re talking about it fitting in a more predictable group of common movements from home base?

Yes

**garybaldy** · 05-19-2026, 09:21 PM

Originally Posted by garybaldy

Perhaps the dominant of Dm6?

Just thought I'd re - post my reply to the OP ie the first reply to the OP!!

Was I correct or incorrect?

**GuyBoden** · 05-20-2026, 05:47 AM

Originally Posted by garybaldy

Perhaps the dominant of Dm6?

Originally Posted by garybaldy

Just thought I'd re - post my reply to the OP ie the first reply to the OP!!

Was I correct or incorrect?

Sorry, yes, you were correct, well done. C#-A-E, functioning as a dominant to Dm6.

**garybaldy** · 05-20-2026, 06:24 AM

Originally Posted by GuyBoden

Sorry, yes, you were correct, well done. C#-A-E, functioning as a dominant to Dm6.

The praise isn't necessary. I am just amazed that the thread twisted and turned so much with many arguements on the way. I'm sure some will keep the thread alive ad infinitum churning out the same old thing.

**pamosmusic** · 05-20-2026, 06:50 AM

To be fair, the correct name is still “A” … “dominant of Dm” would take up too much space on the chart probably.

**garybaldy** · 05-20-2026, 07:04 AM

Originally Posted by pamosmusic

To be fair, the correct name is still “A” … “dominant of Dm” would take up too much space on the chart probably.

That's the sort of comment we need to keep this going!!

**pamosmusic** · 05-20-2026, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by garybaldy

That's the sort of comment we need to keep this going!!

Is it though?

**garybaldy** · 05-20-2026, 07:19 AM

Originally Posted by pamosmusic

Is it though?

Definitely! What are you having for dinner?

**joe2758** · 05-20-2026, 07:45 AM

bump

**garybaldy** · 05-20-2026, 07:54 AM

Originally Posted by joe2758

bump

Funny!!

**pamosmusic** · 05-20-2026, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by joe2758

bump

Please. This is serious.

**garybaldy** · 05-20-2026, 09:40 AM

I'm having an early tea - quiche and salad - before my gig on double bass tonight in Bristol (UK).
This will send those with complexes right off the rails! I already am.

**AllanAllen** · 05-20-2026, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by Strat-itis

It's taught in functional harmony that triads also function as dominant chords.

I would like to issue one blanket thank you to everyone who walked through this with me. I appreciate it. Great thread Guy, it was great for me anyway.

Edited to change Gary to Guy.

**pamosmusic** · 05-20-2026, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by AllanAllen

I would like to issue one blanket thank you to everyone who walked through this with me. I appreciate it. Great thread Gary, it was great for me anyway.

this one was an A+ by any standard

**brent.h** · 05-20-2026, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by pamosmusic

this one was an A+ by any standard

can't be an A+ cos that's augmented lolol

**joe2758** · 05-20-2026, 10:42 AM

what this really comes down to is politics and religion

**garybaldy** · 05-20-2026, 11:00 AM

If anyone calls 'Summertime' tonight I'm packing up and leaving!

**ragman1** · 05-20-2026, 11:01 AM

Well, I hesitate before coming back here but there are a few things to say. You don't have to read it.

First, I have no 'complexes'. I would know if I did, and I don't. I'm a calm person and not prone to anger. But there was frustration at the confusion. GuyBoden was given the answer he finally accepted very early on but didn't recognise it as the right one. If it is the right one, that is.

Here are two very short midi clips of both the A/C# and the C#o. There's no doubt the A//C# sounds smoother but personally I don't think it matters to any great extent. Both clips go from the beginning to the F7.

I'm quite sure that when he performs it, or his friend Trefor does while he solos, bar 5 will float by and really be of little consequence to anyone. Certainly no one who hasn't been through all this debate here.

And, just to be controversial again, because I quite like it, telling someone they have their head up their ass is not necessarily an indication of anger :-)

**Strat-itis** · 05-20-2026, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by ragman1

First, I have no 'complexes'. I would know if I did, and I don't. I'm a calm person and not prone to anger.

**Christian Miller** · 05-20-2026, 06:44 PM

Is ragman still posting about the same thing?

**pamosmusic** · 05-20-2026, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by Christian Miller

Is ragman still posting about the same thing?

tl;dr

**ragman1** · 05-20-2026, 08:35 PM

Partly that, and partly I was wondering which sneering, cynical morons would turn up first. Et voila :-)

See, for me the point was never about what was written on the paper or which chord was theoretically correct, it was to see which actually sounds best when it's played. And that has nothing to do with what is technically right because the right one is the one the player prefers according to their ear.

Just saying.