Harmonic Analysis: Diatonic Chords

Oct 12

HARMONIC Analysis:
Diatonic Chords

In order to translate chords from their letter names to Roman numerals, you must first find the key in which they came from. Understanding the diatonic chords in a major scale helps makes this translation efficient and effective. Here are 2 methods of translation:

Consecutive Major and Minor Chords
Circle of Progressions

Learn more about each method below.

Consecutive Chords

Consecutive Major and Minor Chords

Look for two major chords (IV + V) and/or two minor chords that are a letter away (ii + iii) to help find the parent scale.

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Circle of Progressions

Find chords that have roots that move through the circle of fourths with qualities that match iii vi ii V I.

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Cheat Sheet

Major Key Cheat Sheet

Use the chart to help determine the key of a song.

MORE RESOURCES

Free Resources

Harmonic Analysis: Diatonic Chords

In order to translate chords from their letter names to Roman numerals, you must first find the key in which they came from. Understanding the diatonic chords in a major scale helps make this translation efficient and effective. Learn 2 methods of translation.

Subdivision: Sixteenth Note Triplet

Sixteenth note triplet subdivision divides the beat into six equal parts. The counts are named according to their position within the beat. Practice counting and connecting with the beat, and see how this subdivision is applied in a drum groove.

Harmonic Rhythm

Harmonic rhythm is the rate that chords change in a progression. It helps differentiate parts of a song and can create excitement with basic chords. Learn different ways to change harmonic rhythm.

Bob Habersat

Harmonic Analysis: Diatonic Chords