Diatonic chords are the harmony built directly from the notes of a scale, ensuring that every chord fits perfectly within the key. In major and minor keys, these chords create the foundation for most songs, providing a sense of order and direction in music.
- Diatonic chords are derived from each scale degree.
- They use only the notes within the key (no accidentals).
- They establish the tonal center and harmonic structure of a song.
Diatonic chords are the chords built from the notes of a scale and that naturally occur in a key.
Yes, diatonic chords appear in both major and minor keys.
Diatonic Chords in a Major Key
In a major key, the diatonic chords are built by stacking thirds (skip one note, then add another) on each note of the major scale. This creates a series of 7 chords (if you include seventh chords), each with a specific quality that repeats every octave:
| Scale Degree | Chord Type (Triad) | Example in C Major |
|---|---|---|
| I | Major | C |
| ii | Minor | Dm |
| iii | Minor | Em |
| IV | Major | F |
| V | Major | G |
| vi | Minor | Am |
| vii° | Diminished | B° |
- Major chords: I, IV, V
- Minor chords: ii, iii, vi
- Diminished chord: vii°
In a major key, the chord quality pattern is Major - Minor - Minor - Major - Major - Minor - Diminished.
The diatonic chords in C major are C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, and B°.
Minor Keys and Their Diatonic Chords
Minor keys have their own set of diatonic chords, which differ from major keys because the scale itself is different. The natural minor scale (also called the Aeolian mode) produces these triad qualities:
| Scale Degree | Chord Type (Triad) | Example in A Minor |
|---|---|---|
| i | Minor | Am |
| ii° | Diminished | B° |
| III | Major | C |
| iv | Minor | Dm |
| v | Minor | Em |
| VI | Major | F |
| VII | Major | G |
- Minor chords: i, iv, v
- Major chords: III, VI, VII
- Diminished chord: ii°
Because the v chord is minor, minor keys often use harmonic minor (raising the 7th scale degree) to create a major V chord for stronger resolution.
In a natural minor scale, the pattern is Minor - Diminished - Major - Minor - Minor - Major - Major.
The diatonic chords in A natural minor are Am, B°, C, Dm, Em, F, and G.
Conclusion
Diatonic chords form the backbone of music theory, linking melodies with harmonies that make sense within a key. Understanding how they work in major and minor keys opens up a world of possibilities for songwriting, improvisation, and analysis.
- Diatonic chords are derived from the notes of a scale and match each scale degree.
- Major keys use a specific pattern of major, minor, and diminished chords.
- Minor keys have a different pattern, reflecting the unique sound of the minor scale.