Which musical terms best describe the chords built on the first, fourth, and fifth degrees of a scale?

The chords built on the first, fourth, and fifth degrees of a scale are referred to as primary triads. These chords form the foundational harmonic structure of Western music, particularly in tonal music. The first degree (tonic) creates a sense of home or rest, the fourth degree (subdominant) provides a sense of movement away from the tonic, and the fifth degree (dominant) creates tension that typically resolves back to the tonic.

These primary triads are essential in establishing the key of a piece, as they allow for strong harmonic progressions and are frequently used in various genres of music. Understanding these relationships is crucial in music composition, analysis, and performance.

In contrast, terms like secondary triads reference chords built on degrees other than the first, fourth, or fifth, and would not encompass these primary triads. Tonic chords are a narrower concept, referring specifically to the chord built on the first degree, while dominant chords specifically refer to the fifth degree chord. Thus, primary triads accurately encapsulate the three chords being discussed.