Chord Scales Harmonization

• C
 | 
• D
 | 
• E
 | 
• F
 | 
• G
 | 
• A
 | 
• B
 | 
• C#
 | 
• D#
 | 
• F#
 | 
• G#
 | 
• A#
 | 
• Db
 | 
• Eb
 | 
• Gb
 | 
• Ab
 | 
• Bb
 | 

Chord scales are chords built starting from a scale. The procedure for building chord scales is simple: we take a scale and on each degree of that scale we stack notes in 3rds.

In other words, from each degree, we stack the notes upwards while always skipping one (1-3-5, 2-4-6, 3-5-7, and so forth).

If we stack 3 notes, we build triads chords; if we stack 4 notes, we build quadriads or seventh chords.

This process is called scale harmonization; since we use only notes in the scales, the generated chords will belong to different kinds (depending on the distances among the stacked thirds).

We can get major, minor, augmented, diminished triads, and several kinds of seventh chords.

Names of the Scale Degrees

In Western music theory, each scale degree in a diatonic scale has a specific name and a characteristic function in harmony and chord progressions.

Here's an explanation of each scale degree and their functions, using as anexample the notes of the C major scale:

1) Tonic (C)

It is the tonal center of a scale, the note where music in that key feels most at rest.

It's often the starting and ending point in melodies and chord progressions, providing a sense of closure and resolution.

2) Supertonic (D)

The second scale degree, located a whole step above the tonic.

It often serves a predominant function, meaning it typically leads to or prepares the listener for the dominant chord.

In chord progressions, it's frequently used in its minor form in major keys (ii chord) and major or diminished form in minor keys (II or ii° chord).

3) Mediant (E)

The third scale degree, exactly midway between the tonic and dominant.

It shares some characteristics with the tonic, providing a sense of stability but with a more nuanced or emotional quality due to its position.

The mediant chord can add color and depth to progressions, especially when used as a pivot chord in modulation.

4) Subdominant (F)

The fourth scale degree, lying just below the dominant.

It serves as another predominant function, often leading to the dominant.

The subdominant chord (IV or iv) adds variety and contrast to progressions and can create a sense of departure or distance from the tonic.

5) Dominant (G)

The fifth scale degree, a perfect fifth above the tonic.

It is the second most stable and important degree after the tonic.

The dominant chord (V or v) has a strong tendency to resolve back to the tonic, creating a sense of tension and release, which is fundamental in Western music.

6) Submediant (A)

The sixth scale degree, it is as far above the tonic as the mediant is below it.

This scale degree introduces a contrasting, often more melancholic or introspective quality. In major keys, the submediant chord is minor (vi), and in minor keys, it's major (VI), providing a wide range of expressive possibilities.

7) Leading Tone (or Subtonic) (B)

The seventh scale degree. The leading tone is a half step below the tonic, creating a strong pull towards resolution to the tonic.

This creates a sense of anticipation.

In natural minor scales, the seventh degree is called the subtonic and is a whole step below the tonic, giving a less urgent sense of resolution compared to the leading tone in major scales.

How To Construct Chords

The most common way to teach chord construction is to show how to harmonize the major scale, and then create chord progressions using the chords in the scale.

Let's stack the notes in the scales and see what happens:

Of course, we can try to harmonize other scale types, like the Harmonic minor scale, or the Dorian.

Some chord scales will sound good, others a bit odd, but it's a great way to experiment and to stimulate your musician's creativity.

On these pages, you find the chords generated from plenty of scale kinds in all the keys (just follow the links with root names at the top of the page).

Have fun with them!

C Scale Chords Table

• C Harmonic Minor scale chords
• C Melodic Minor scale chords
• C Mixolydian scale chords
• C Lydian scale chords
• C Dorian scale chords
• C Phrygian scale chords
• C Locrian scale chords
• C Aeolian b5 scale chords
• C Ionian #5 scale chords
• C Lydian Dominant scale chords
• C Lydian Augmented scale chords
• C Lydian #2 scale chords
• C Mixolydian b6 scale chords
• C Dorian #4 scale chords
• C Dorian b2 scale chords
• C Phrygian Dominant scale chords
• C Super Locrian scale chords
• C Super Locrian bb7 scale chords
• C Locrian #6 scale chords