Lesson 20 - Default Diatonic chords

Introduction

A chord is defined by it’s root note and character, a collection of intervals. In this lesson, we'll examine all the default diatonic chards of the western major scale. There is only four distinct chord characters.

Diatonic default chords of the western major scale

Chord Number: I

Chord: XM7 or Xmaj7

Mode: Ionian

All western majors scales have exactly the same diatonic default chords. There are four unique default diatonic chords in the western major scale in which will be used as our foundation used to construct more complicated chords. The chord associated with the Ionian mode is XM7 or Xmaj7.

In the key of C, the default diatonic chord is CM7 or Cmaj7.

Chord Number: II

Chord: Xm7

Mode: Dorian

In the key of C, the default diatonic chord is Cm7.

Chord Number: III

Chord: Xm7

Mode: Phrygian

In the key of C, the default diatonic chord is Em7.

Chord Number: IV

Chord: XM7 or Xmaj7

Mode: Lydian

In the key of C, the default diatonic chord is FM7 or Fmaj7.

Chord Number: V

Chord: X7 (dominant seventh)

Mode: Mixolydian

In the key of C, the default diatonic chord is G7.

Chord Number: VI

Chord: Xm7

Mode: Aeolian  (Natural Minor Scale)

In the key of C, the default diatonic chord is Am7.

Chord Number: VII

Chord: Xø7 or Xm7b5 

Mode: Aeolian  (Natural Minor Scale)

In the key of C, the default diatonic chord is Bø7.

All diatonic default chords

If you remember this table, you're well on your way to creating any chord in western music as these will be your foundation. Commit this table to your memory.