Diaronic Chords

Overview of Chord Notation

  • Focus on learning different types of chord notation.

  • First week's emphasis is on simpler keys and concepts, followed by more complex material next week.

  • Importance of memorization throughout the lesson.

Chord Symbols

  • Definition: Chord symbols or charts indicate which chord to be played; primarily dealing with triads.

  • Types of Triads: Major, minor, diminished, augmented.

  • Parts of Chord Notation:

    • Root Position: Identified by the letter (e.g., D chord consists of D, F, A).

    • Chord Quality: Notation indicates if the chord is major, minor, diminished, or augmented. Lowercase 'm' means minor; absence of notation means major.

    • Inversions: Denoted by a slash (e.g., B for inversion).

    • Extensions: Additional extensions like sus or add to follow the chord symbol.

Practical Application of Chord Notation

  • Lead Sheets vs Chord Sheets:

    • Lead Sheets: Include melody on staff with chords above; useful for musicians who can read music.

    • Chord Sheets: More commonly used in modern settings such as worship teams; easier for musicians not used to reading sheet music.

Common Chord Qualities

  • Major Chord Notation: Uppercase letter alone (C), MAJ, or triangle.

  • Minor Chord Notation: Lowercase 'm' (Cmin or Cm), a dash also indicates minor.

  • Augmented Notation: 'aug' or '+' (e.g., C+).

  • Diminished Notation: 'dim' or a small degree symbol (°).

Roman Numerals in Music

  • Purpose: Indicates scale degrees and corresponding chords.

  • Familiarity with Roman Numerals: I (1), II (2), III (3), IV (4), V (5), VI (6), VII (7). Uppercase for major, lowercase for minor; diminished is lowercase with a degree symbol, augmented uppercase with a plus symbol.

  • Example in C Major:

    • I = C

    • ii = D minor

    • iii = E minor

    • IV = F

    • V = G

    • vi = A minor

    • vii° = B diminished

Diatonic Chords in Major Keys

  • Major Key Chord Quality Pattern:

    • Formula: Major (I), minor (ii), minor (iii), major (IV), major (V), minor (vi), diminished (vii)

    • Example in C Major:

    • I: C (Major)

    • ii: D minor

    • iii: E minor

    • IV: F (Major)

    • V: G (Major)

    • vi: A minor

    • vii°: B diminished

Applying the Diatonic Chord Chart

  • Writing Out the Chart: Essential for determining chord qualities.

  • Repeat this process for different key signatures; memorize chord qualities associated with each scale degree.

  • Example for F Major:

    • F Major: F, G minor, A minor, B flat Major, C Major, D minor, E diminished

Learning Minor Keys

  • Diatonic Chords in Minor Keys Pattern:

    • Minor (i), diminished (ii°), major (III), minor (iv), minor (v), major (VI), major (VII)

    • Example in B Minor:

    • i: B minor

    • ii°: C# diminished

    • III: D Major

    • iv: E minor

    • v: F# minor

    • VI: G Major

    • VII: A Major

Quiz Preparation Strategies

  • Draw Out Diatonic Chord Charts for every key and scale degree asked in questions.

  • Practice recognizing Roman numerals and identifying qualities based on scale degrees.

  • Question Types: Identify scale qualities, multiple choice numeration based on notated chords, and translating verbal descriptions into musical notation.

Final Notes

  • Continuous practice with the chord chart will improve memorization.

  • Exercises will progressively build confidence before quizzes and practical applications.

  • Upcoming lesson will focus on figured bass.