Lesson 20 - Default Diatonic chords
Lesson 20 - Default Diatonic chords
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.
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: Xm7
Mode: Dorian
In the key of C, the default diatonic chord is Cm7.
Chord: Xm7
Mode: Phrygian
In the key of C, the default diatonic chord is Em7.
Chord: XM7 or Xmaj7
Mode: Lydian
In the key of C, the default diatonic chord is FM7 or Fmaj7.
Chord: X7 (dominant seventh)
Mode: Mixolydian
In the key of C, the default diatonic chord is G7.
Chord: Xm7
Mode: Aeolian (Natural Minor Scale)
In the key of C, the default diatonic chord is Am7.
Chord: Xø7 or Xm7b5
Mode: Aeolian (Natural Minor Scale)
In the key of C, the default diatonic chord is Bø7.
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.