Q: Hi Andrew, Thanks for your YouTube videos. You are very talented, well versed, and well trained. As a musician myself, I appreciate seeing lessons from a more technical side.

My question is that I noticed you used all capital roman numberals in a few of your chord progression analysis. If memory serves... capital roman numberals are major, lower case are minor. Can you explain your different use of Roman Numeral analysis. Thanks!

A: Roman Numeral Analysis... that can be a confusing topic sometimes! Keep in mind that there are four popular types of analysis, (only thing is the classical is taught in the majority of music schools and the others are either very modern, or simply just learn't, on-the-fly, on certain kinds of gigs).

- Classical: Uses uppercase numerals for major and lower case for minor.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_numeral_analysis

- Jazz Analysis: Uses all uppercase with quality noted; i.e., II mi7
http://www.petethomas.co.uk/jazz-analysis.html

- Nashville: Applies numbers with quality, i.e., 2mi7
http://www.cyberfret.com/q-and-a/24/index.php

- Contemporary Harmony: Uses only the uppercase roman numerals.
View Page 11 of Curt Scheller's Contemporary Harmony Book online.

I use (and teach) Contemporary style analysis. Once a student understand's step-wise
chord quality in basic harmony, there is no real need for lowercase Roman Numerals. We already know full well that; for example, the 2nd chord in any major key is a minor chord. This is especially true if we are charting for a live gig, and we need players to read the Roman Numeral analysis live on-stage. Upper and lower case analysis could get somewhat difficult to read live at a gig.

Musicians Institute, (the music school I attended), uses Contemporary Chord Harmony analysis, which is mainly why I apply it as well. Plus, I do find it a lot easier to read when backing up several vocalists at certain gigs, (i.e., talent shows, fundraisers, etc.).

- Andrew