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Scales to Chords

Understand the relationship between scales and the chords they generate

Select Scale

Key:

Scale:

C Major Scale

The major scale is the foundation of most Western music. It has a bright, happy sound.

Scale Notes:

CDEFGAB

Chord Relationships

Each scale degree generates a chord. Here are the chords for C Major:

I - C

C-E-G

ii - D

iii - E

IV - F

F-A-C

V - G

G-B-D

vi - A

G-A#-D

vii° - B

G-A#-D

Common Progressions

Basic Progression:

I - IV - V - vi

C - F - G - A

Understanding Scale-Chord Relationships

How Chords Are Built

Major chords: Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th
Minor chords: Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th
Diminished chords: Root + Minor 3rd + Diminished 5th
Augmented chords: Root + Major 3rd + Augmented 5th

Scale Degree Functions

Tonic (I): Home base, stable
Supertonic (ii): Creates tension toward tonic
Dominant (V): Strongest tension, resolves to tonic
Subdominant (IV): Creates moderate tension