The majority of western music is written with diatonic chords. When constructed cleverly, these chords make for some great music that has captivated many over the decades. So, what are diatonic chords? In the world of music, diatonic chords are chords that belong to a key. These chords form diatonic harmony as opposed to chords that lie outside of this key known as non-diatonic or chromatic harmony.
The Basics of Diatonic Chords
Diatonic chords are the building blocks of many compositions across various genres. These chords are derived from the notes of a key without any alterations. To put it simply, in a major scale, the diatonic chords are the seven chords that naturally occur. Each of these chords has a specific function and character within the key, contributing to the overall harmony of a piece.
Consider the key of C Major. The diatonic chords in this key would be C Major, D minor, E minor, F Major, G Major, A minor, and B diminished. Each of these chords is constructed using only the notes found in the C Major scale.
Chord | Notes |
C Major | C, E, G |
D minor | D, F, A |
E minor | E, G, B |
F Major | F, A, C |
G Major | G, B, D |
A minor | A, C, E |
B diminished | B, D, F |
How Are Diatonic Chords Used in Music Composition?
Music composition is a complex art form that relies heavily on the use of diatonic chords. Diatonic chords provide a framework that composers can use to create a sense of harmony and progression in their music. They are the building blocks that allow composers to craft melodies and harmonies that are pleasing to the ear. There are a couple of ways in which diatonic chords contribute to the composition process:
- Establishing the key. The use of diatonic chords helps to establish the key of a piece of music. This is because they are built from the notes of a specific scale, which defines the key of the piece.
- Creating harmony. Diatonic chords are used to create harmonies in a piece of music. By combining different chords, composers can create harmony that adds depth and complexity to the melody.
- Providing structure. The progression of diatonic chords provides a structure for a piece of music. This progression creates a sense of movement and direction, guiding the listener through the piece.
By mastering the use of these chords you can create music that is harmonically rich and pleasing to the ear.
Steps For How to Construct Diatonic Chords
Constructing diatonic chords requires a basic understanding of musical scales and intervals.
- The first step is to choose a key, such as C Major, and write out the scale. The C Major scale, for instance, consists of the notes C, D, E, F, G, A and B.
- The next step is to build a triad on each note of the scale. A triad is a set of three notes, stacked in thirds. For example, the triad built on C would be C-E-G. Repeat this process for each note in the scale.
- An optional step is to build a fourth note on top of the triad by adding the seventh note of a given triad. For example, the triad C-E-G can have a B stacked on top (C-E-G-B) to make a C major 7 chord.
The resulting chords are the diatonic chords of that key. It’s important to note that the quality of these chords (whether they are major, minor or diminished) is determined by the intervals between the notes. This process can be undertaken with other scales such as:
- natural minor scales
- harmonic minor scales
- melodic minor scales
- whole tone scales
- pentatonic scales
- blues scales
- bebop scales.
Check out the following musical pieces for film that utilise diatonic chords:
The Use of Diatonic Chords in Popular Music
Diatonic chords form the backbone of countless hit songs and provide a familiar and comforting sound to listeners. However, the widespread use of diatonic chords also has its drawbacks.
The over-reliance on these chords can lead to a lack of originality and innovation in music. On the other hand, the good use of diatonic chords can lead to innovative and captivating compositions. By understanding the inherent relationships between these chords, you can create tension and resolution in your music. This understanding can also help in improvisation, allowing you to create on-the-fly during performances.
However, this requires a deep understanding of music theory and a keen ear for harmony. Without these skills, the use of diatonic chords can become formulaic and predictable, limiting the creative potential of the music.
Tips For Mastering Diatonic Chords
Mastering diatonic chords can be a game-changer for any aspiring musician. Here are a few tips to help you on your journey:
- Start with the basics. Before diving into more complex structures, make sure you have a solid understanding of basic music theory, including scales and intervals.
- Practice regularly. Like any other skill, mastering diatonic chords requires consistent practice. Set aside a specific time each day to work on your chords.
- Use a variety of musical resources. There are countless books, online tutorials and apps available that can help you learn diatonic chords. Don’t limit yourself to just one – use a variety to get a solid understanding. In addition to paid tools, there are also plenty of free music resources you can use to educate yourself.
- Experiment with different keys. Once you’re comfortable with diatonic chords in one key, try transposing them to other keys. This will not only help you become more versatile but also deepen your understanding of how these chords work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diatonic Chords
1. What is the difference between diatonic and chromatic chords?
Diatonic chords are built from notes of the major or minor scales, meaning they only include notes that are naturally occurring within a given key. Chromatic chords, on the other hand, include notes that are not part of the key, adding more colour and tension to the music.
2. Why are diatonic chords important in songwriting?
These chords are fundamental to songwriting because they provide a framework for melody and harmony within a song. They help to establish the key of a song and create a sense of resolution and completion in music.
3. Can diatonic chords be used in all genres of music?
Yes, diatonic chords are used across all genres of music. They are a fundamental part of music theory and provide the basis for creating melodies and harmonies in any musical piece, regardless of the genre.
4. How can I practice diatonic chords on my instrument?
Practicing diatonic chords involves playing the chords in a specific key. Start by learning the diatonic chords in one key, then move on to another. Practice playing the chords in sequence and try to identify the sound of each chord.
5. What are some famous songs that use diatonic chords?
Many popular songs use diatonic chords. Some examples include “Let it Be” by The Beatles, “Wonderwall” by Oasis and “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay. These songs are great examples of how diatonic chords can be used to create memorable and catchy melodies.