Chords
If we take each note of the C maj scale, and build triads upon them (with only notes from the major scale), we get these 7 DIATONIC triads.
To be diatonic is to be consisting of solely notes from the scale; whatever key you’re in.
Cmaj
Dmin
Emin
Fmaj
Gmaj
Amin
Bdim
(C maj)
( )
Chords made by the C major scale.
We’ve numbered these chords, so we can remember what they sound like in relation to the home key (C in this case).
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
When referring to chords and FUNCTIONS, we use roman numerals.
Scale notes
But what do I mean by functions?
Tonic
Dominant
(home)
(away)
Most western music is based on this struggle between tonic and dominant, and how we place tension and release throughout our songs.
Tonic
Dominant
Chords that feel settled.
Chords that feel as if they need to resolve.
All of these chords contain the 3rd scale degree of the major scale, which is a very “stable” degree.
These chords contain the 7th scale degree of the major scale (known as the LEADING TONE), which is an “unstable” degree. When played in context, the note sounds as if it wants to move to the root.
Key of Eb major
C min
Eb maj
G min
Key of Eb major
Bb maj
D dim
These chords also share the second degree of the scale too, which has the tendency to resolve back to one.
Subdominant
you might be asking - “where do the F min and Ab maj chords go? ”
good question.
*diatonic triads of Eb major
Eb maj
G min
Bb maj
C min
D dim
F min and Ab maj are placed in this SUBDOMINANT category, which isn’t as stable as tonic chords, but certainly more stable than dominant function chords.
