DIATONIC CHORDS IN MAJOR KEYS

Diatonic triad chords in major keys

The next figure shows the diatonic triad chords on the scale degrees of the C major key. We would have the same chord qualities, the same harmony annotations and different chord roots if we chose some other major key. This is the reason why we can examine only the C major key. 

Figure: The diatonic triad chords in the C major key

In a major key, the diatonic triad chords have the following chord qualities:

• Major triad on the first, fourth and fifth scale degree

• Minor triad on the second, third and sixth scale degree 

• Diminished triad on the seventh scale degree 

Diatonic seventh chords in major keys

The next figure shows the diatonic seventh chords on the scale degrees of the C major key. We would have the same chord qualities, the same harmony annotations and different chord roots if we chose some other major key. This is the reason why we can examine only the C major key. 

Figure: The diatonic seventh chords in the C major key

In a major key, the diatonic seventh chords have the following chord qualities:

• Major seventh on the first and fourth scale degree 

• Dominant seventh on the fifth scale degree 

• Minor seventh on the second, third and sixth scale degree 

• Half-diminished seventh on the seventh scale degree