Our article for today focuses on understanding basic chord progressions in a major scale. We will be looking at how to create triads, establishing key, chord inversions , and the most common chords that can be used in songwriting or creating music loops.
In figure 1 we have a major scale build in the key of C major. Each tone of the scale pattern is typically identified by roman numerals as shown. The tones are named respectively as tonic (I), subtonic, mediant, sub-dominant, dominant, sub-mediant and leading tone.
Triads.
In figure 2 (see below), we have triads which is defined as scale tones built on major and minor thirds which form the basic chords shown.
The upper case roman numerals I, IV and V indicate major chords while the lower case numerals indicate a minor chord with the exception of the vii scale tone which forms a diminished chord. While the key of C is shown triads or chords can be built in the same manner on any scale in a major key.
Establishing the Key.
Establish the key is most easily done by emphasizing the tonic and dominant or I - V chords in key. In pop music this is more commonly used in the form of tonic to sub dominant to dominant or I - IV - V chords in key. Literally hundreds of songs have used this simple cord progression in pop music with great success.
Chord Inversions.
Chord inversions of root position chords (Figure 2) can be used. Figure 3 shows the inversions for any root position chord which are 6 - 3 and 6- 4 inversions. In 6-3 inversion the root the is moved up above the third and in the 6-4 inversion the root and the third tones are placed above the fifth of the chord.
Chord progressions.
Many chord progressions can be derived using the chords shown in figure 2 and figure 3. As long as the key is established any of these chords can be used in any succession following the tonic chord. The only exception is the diminished chord on vii or leading tone chord which would be resolved to the tonic chord or vii- I progression. With this method many chords can be easily derived in any key.
Seventh and Extended Chords.
Seventh and extended chords can be created as well simply by adding another third tone or more, namely ninth, eleventh and thirteenth tones to any of the triads as shown in figure 2.
In conclusion, we have covered some of the basic ideas to understanding the use of major key chords build on scales in pop music and to inspire their use in creating songs or music loops as you see fit.
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
For more information on chords try -
The Ultimate Keyboard Chord Chart booklet
illustrates 120 of the most common chords so you can find them right away.
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