This post is an introduction to chord and scale theory, it gets a lot more in depth but if you understand the basics most patterns and principles can be transferred.
Working out all of the chord triads in a major scale:
1. All major keys include the following sequence of notes and chords:
Root | Tone | Tone | Semi-tone | Tone | Tone | Tone |
Major | minor | minor | Major | Major | minor | diminished |
2. In the C major scale the notes and chords are:
C | D | E | F | G | A | B | C |
C Major C | D minor Dm | E minor Em | F Major F | G Major G | A minor Am | B diminished Bdim / B0 |
3. A major chord triad is three notes built from the root note upwards (right). The C major chord looks like the picture below. The spacing from the root to the 3rd (C to E) is 4 semitones. The spacing from the root to the 5th (C to the G) is 7 semitones.
4. A minor chord triad is also built from the root and includes three notes. Cm looks like the picture below. The spacing from the root to the 3rd (C to Eb) is 3 semitones. The spacing from the root to the 5th (C to the G) is 7 semitones.
5. A Diminished chord triad is also built from the root and includes three notes. Cdim looks like the picture below. The spacing from the root to the 3rd (C to Eb) is 3 semitones. The spacing from the root to the 5th (C to the Gb) is 6 semitones.
Try this theory.
1. Work out the chords for the following major keys (28 chords in total):
2. Work out the notes in each of the chords:
- F#,
- D,
- A
- E
Post your answers as a comment below and I will share the correct answers in class.