Most people might not realize it, but scales have their
own built in chord systems. By using the notes from a
scale we can make up 7 different chords. We can then use
the 7 chords as a blueprint for creating chord progressions.
The scale that the chords were built from can be used
to create a melody or used to solo over the progression
with. We call theses scale/chord systems. The Chord
Progression section of the Guitar Alliance Member's
Site will show you each scale's chord system, how
these chord systems are built, and most importantly how
they are used.
If you are interested in writing your own songs, these
scale/chord systems are by far one of the
most important songwriting tools you'll ever come across.
Each chord construted from a scale plays a different role
and knowing how they interact with each other will make
you a better songwriter. All you have to do is pick the
key signature you want your song to be in then you find
the correct scale/chord system chart for that key and
then you can know exactly what chords and scales will
work for your song.
Creating Chord Progressions In The Key Of A Major
To figure out the chord system from a scale you must
create triads off of the scale steps. Triads are three
notes that spell a chord. There are three triad types
that are extracted from scales: major, minor, and diminished
(we show you how to do this in the Member's Site).
Note: The 1st, 4th and 5th chords that are built from
a scale are the most used chords in popular music. The
standard blues progression is made up of these three chords
and most early rock songs (rock was spawned from the blues)
used these same 3 chords. Not much has really changed
as a majority of popular music are still 3 chord songs
using mostly the minor 2nd, 3rd, and 6th minimally-usually
in bridges or interludes. Keep that in mind when creating
your own progressions!
A Major Scale In 1st Position
Triads Built From The A Major Scale
Triad Names
1.) A Major
2.) B minor
3.) C#/Db minor
4.) D Major
5.) E Major
6.) F#/Gb minor
7.) G#/Ab dim.
Example
Here is a sample progression built from the A major scale/chord
system on this page. You'll notice in this example that
chord phrasing is used instead of simply strumming through
the chords.You can just strum along if you don't know
chord phrasing.
