{"id":2799,"date":"2026-11-02T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zapiano.com\/?p=226260"},"modified":"2026-10-25T20:41:31","modified_gmt":"2026-10-25T19:41:31","slug":"keys-and-chords","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zapiano.com\/en\/keys-and-chords\/","title":{"rendered":"Keys and Chords"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you have ever looked into keys and chords<\/strong>, you will have noticed that there are certain relationships between chords. Chords are not arranged completely at random \u2013 they are always related to one another, and within any given key<\/a> they are arranged in the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keys, Chords and Scale Degree Theory<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Think of it like this: in a family there are different family members, and each member has a role. It is exactly the same with chords<\/a> within a key<\/a>. This principle is known as scale degree theory<\/strong>. Scale degree theory can be derived from a major scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diatonic Chords of the C Major Scale<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Keys<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Let’s take the C major scale<\/a> as our first example. On each note of the C major scale, a diatonic triad<\/a><\/strong> is built. Diatonic means that the chords are formed from the notes of the C major scale itself. A major scale consists of seven notes in total, so we get seven different diatonic chords<\/strong>. They are numbered in order, using Roman numerals. If we now take a closer look at these triads, we get the following chords: C<\/a>, Dm<\/a>, Em<\/a>, F<\/a>, G<\/a>, Am<\/a>, B\u00b0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, we have a total of three major<\/a> chords<\/strong>. They are on the 1st<\/strong>, 4th<\/strong> and 5th degree<\/strong>. We also find three minor chords<\/strong>, on the 2nd<\/strong>, 3rd<\/strong> and 6th degree<\/strong>. On the 7th degree<\/strong> there is a triad made up of two minor thirds \u2013 in other words, a diminished triad. Once you have understood this principle, you can apply it to any key. The circle of fifths<\/a> helps you better understand the different keys, their key signatures and how they relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keys and Diatonic Chords of the D Major Scale<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Keys<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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For comparison, let’s look at the diatonic chords in the key of D major<\/a><\/strong>: once again there are three major chords<\/strong> and three minor chords<\/strong>. The major triads<\/strong> are on the same degrees as in C major, namely the 1st<\/strong>, 4th<\/strong> and 5th degree<\/strong>. The minor triads<\/strong> are again on the 2nd<\/strong>, 3rd<\/strong> and 6th degree<\/strong>. And again there is a diminished chord<\/strong> on the 7th degree<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So the order of chord qualities is exactly the same in every major key:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n